Classic French Croque Monsieur
A crisp French ham-and-cheese sandwich finished with bubbling Gruyere and creamy béchamel.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
- Broiler
Ingredients
Sandwiches
- 8 slices white or brioche bread
- 8 oz thinly sliced ham
- 6 oz Gruyere cheese grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
Béchamel
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk warmed
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make Béchamel:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Simmer until thick, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Assemble and Bake:
- Heat the oven to 425 F. Spread mustard on four bread slices, layer on the ham and half the cheese, then close the sandwiches.
- Place on a baking sheet, spread béchamel over the tops, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake until the bread is crisp and the cheese is bubbling and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Broil briefly if needed.
Notes
- Gruyere gives the classic nutty flavor, but Comte or Emmental also work well.
- Do not make the béchamel too thin; it should coat the back of a spoon.
Nutrition
Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g