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A golden French croque monsieur with ham, melted Gruyere, béchamel, and a green salad.

Classic French Croque Monsieur

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A crisp French ham-and-cheese sandwich finished with bubbling Gruyere and creamy béchamel.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Whisk
  • Broiler

Method
 

Make Béchamel:
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Simmer until thick, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Assemble and Bake:
  1. Heat the oven to 425 F. Spread mustard on four bread slices, layer on the ham and half the cheese, then close the sandwiches.
  2. Place on a baking sheet, spread béchamel over the tops, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  3. Bake until the bread is crisp and the cheese is bubbling and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Broil briefly if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

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.