Description
A classic French Croque Monsieur made with toasted bread, savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese—crispy, rich, and irresistibly comforting.
Ingredients
- 8 slices white bread
- 4 slices turkey ham or beef ham
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Season béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly toast bread slices.
- Spread Dijon mustard on bread if using.
- Layer ham and cheese between two slices of bread to form sandwiches.
- Spread béchamel sauce over the tops of the sandwiches.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Place sandwiches on a baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.
Notes
- Use Gruyère cheese for authentic flavor.
- Do not skip the béchamel sauce—it’s key to the dish.
- Serve hot with salad or fries.
- Add a fried egg on top to make a Croque Madame.
- Best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French