Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur is a gourmet French sandwich that elevates simple ingredients into a delightful dish. Picture layers of savory ham and nutty Gruyère cheese, enveloped in crisp, buttery bread, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. This indulgent yet approachable recipe is perfect for any meal of the day and brings a little taste of Paris right to your kitchen. Whether served at a casual brunch or an elegant dinner, this classic dish will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 oz high-quality ham
- 4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth; gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place ham and half the cheese on the unbuttered side; top with another slice of bread.
- Spread béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute Gruyère with sharp cheddar or gouda. Experiment with different breads like ciabatta or whole grain. Add herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.