A Croque Monsieur is a classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich — rich, crispy, and indulgent. Here’s a traditional recipe for you:
🧀 Croque Monsieur Recipe
Serves: 2
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients
- 4 slices of white sandwich bread (brioche or pain de mie works well)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 slices ham (high-quality, not too thin)
- ½ cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
- 1 tbsp butter, softened (for spreading on bread)
- 1 tbsp flour
- ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the béchamel sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 1 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until it thickens (2–3 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg.
- Remove from heat and stir in a small handful of grated Gruyère.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Spread Dijon mustard on 2 slices of bread.
- Add a layer of ham and some grated cheese.
- Top with the other bread slices.
- Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich.
- Cook the sandwiches:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook each sandwich until golden brown on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Add the béchamel topping:
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Spoon béchamel sauce on top and sprinkle more cheese.
- Broil or bake at 425°F / 220°C for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and browned.
Optional: Croque Madame
Top your Croque Monsieur with a fried or poached egg — that’s the “Madame” version!
Would you like me to give you a lighter version (less cheese and butter) or a classic Parisian café version with extra richness?
