Classic Croque Monsieur – The Ultimate French Grilled Cheese 🧀🥪
This indulgent French sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, featuring melty Gruyère cheese, savory ham, and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce. Whether you’re craving a decadent snack or a satisfying lunch, the Croque Monsieur will always hit the spot. Plus, it’s a perfect way to elevate your grilled cheese game!
Ingredients (for 4 Sandwiches):
- 8 slices white bread (baguette or toast bread)
- 4 slices cooked ham
- 150g Gruyère cheese, grated
- 50g butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 300ml milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set the béchamel sauce aside.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on each slice of bread.
- On four slices of bread, layer a slice of ham and a generous amount of grated Gruyère.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, sauce-side up.
- Spread more béchamel sauce on top of the sandwiches and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
3. Bake:
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the bread is crispy.
4. Serve:
- Serve your Croque Monsieur hot, ideally with a side of fresh green salad or cornichons for a delightful contrast.
- Enjoy this rich and comforting French classic!
Chef’s Tips:
- Extra Crunch: Lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwiches for an even crunchier result.
- Add Flavor: For a Croque Madame, top the sandwich with a fried egg for a delicious variation.
- Cheese Substitute: If Gruyère isn’t available, you can substitute it with Emmental or Swiss cheese.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: ~450 per serving
This Croque Monsieur is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a rich, cheesy sandwich with a French twist. With a crunchy, golden exterior and melty, savory filling, it’s a sandwich that will transport you straight to Paris with every bite! 🥂🍽