Croque Monsieur Recipe: A French Classic You Can Make at Home

A Croque Monsieur is the ultimate French comfort food—a decadent, melty sandwich that combines savory layers of ham, cheese, and a rich béchamel sauce, all broiled to perfection. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner, this classic French sandwich brings a touch of elegance and indulgence to any meal. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: The béchamel sauce adds a velvety layer of decadence, taking the sandwich to a whole new level.
• Melty Perfection: Layers of Gruyère and ham are broiled until golden and bubbly, creating a crispy, gooey delight.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like bread, ham, cheese, and milk, you don’t need anything fancy to make this sandwich.
• Versatile: Serve it as a hearty main dish or cut it into smaller portions for appetizers at your next gathering.
• French Flair: Impress your guests with this restaurant-quality sandwich made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 4

For the Sandwiches:

• 8 slices crusty white bread (or brioche for extra richness)
• 8 slices cooked ham (thinly sliced, about 1/4 lb total)
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
• Dijon mustard, for spreading

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a paste (this is called a roux).
3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Spread one side of each slice of bread with softened butter. Place the slices butter-side down on your work surface.
3. Spread Dijon mustard evenly on the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread.
4. Layer 2 slices of ham on top of the mustard-coated bread. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Gruyère over the ham.
5. Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread (butter-side up).

Step 3: Add the Béchamel & Broil

1. Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce over the tops of the sandwiches, covering them completely.
2. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese evenly over the béchamel.
3. Place the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 4: Serve

1. Let the sandwiches cool slightly before slicing them in half diagonally.
2. Serve hot with a side of pickles, a simple green salad, or tomato soup for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Béchamel Sauce: This classic French sauce adds a creamy, rich layer that elevates the sandwich from good to great.
• Gruyère Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the ham perfectly.
• Broiling Magic: The broiler creates a crispy, golden crust on the bread, making each bite irresistible.

Variations to Try

• Add Mustard Flavor: Use grainy Dijon mustard for a tangier kick.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the béchamel sauce for a subtle heat.
• Make It a Croque Madame: Top each sandwich with a fried egg for an elegant twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ham with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a combination of both.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and flour for the béchamel to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Tips for Success

• Warm the Milk: Heating the milk before adding it to the roux ensures a smooth béchamel without lumps.
• Use Fresh Bread: Crusty bread holds up better under the béchamel sauce and broiler heat, keeping your sandwich from becoming soggy.
• Storage: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore the crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Romantic Touch: Serve with champagne or sparkling water for a Parisian-inspired brunch.
• Brunch Staple: Pair with a mimosa bar or fresh fruit salad for a festive spread.
• Party Platter: Cut into quarters and serve as appetizers alongside charcuterie and wine.

Final Thoughts

This Croque Monsieur is the epitome of French comfort food—rich, melty, and utterly satisfying. With its layers of creamy béchamel sauce, nutty Gruyère cheese, and savory ham, all crowned with a golden, crispy crust, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this sandwich will bring joy to your table.

Your turn! Have you ever tried making a Croque Monsieur before? Share your favorite variations or serving ideas below! 🥪🍽