Croque Monsieur Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Behold this quintessential French-bistro classic – the Croque Monsieur. This iconic French sandwich is filled with Paris ham and French hard mountain cheese, grilled to perfection, then covered with a creamy Béchamel sauce and finished under the broiler. It’s cheesy, gooey, chewy with crisp edges… in essence, it’s irresistible. This recipe is a breeze to recreate at home and one that will please the whole family, guaranteed! Just like a grilled cheese, assembling a Croque Monsieur is nothing complicated. Yet, this isn’t your typical grilled cheese. What is really important…
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp (45g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500ml) 2% or whole milk
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- To assemble:2 tbsp (30) unsalted butter
- 4 slices of Pain de Mie of French Loaf
- ½ cup (50g) Gruyère, Comté or Emmental cheese, grated. 4 slices Paris Ham
- Salt, pepper
Instructions
- 1
Step 1 - Start by preparing the Béchamel Sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle with the flour and cook for 1 minute stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until a thick paste forms that leaves the edges of the pan clean. Switch to a whisk, and add the milk slowly, stirring constantly. Bring to a slow boil, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy and spreadable consistency. Remove from the heat and stir in the nutmeg and black pepper. Adjust seasoning if needed (salt) and set aside.
- 2
Step 2 - Arrange the 4 slices of bread on your working surface. Spread ½ tbsp of butter on the 4 slices. Flip slices so the buttered sides are on the outside. Top 2 slices with (each) a little less than ¼ cup of grated cheese and 2 slices of ham on top. Close each with the 2 remaining bread slices.
- 3
Step 3 - Place the two sandwiches on a cast iron skillet (or oven-safe pan), and turn the heat to medium. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until the bottoms are crisp and golden. Flip the sandwich (carefully, with a spatula) and brown for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Step 4 - Spread a generous layer of Béchamel sauce on top of the sandwiches and (optional) top with the remaining grated cheese. Place the skillet in your oven under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye out so the tops don’t burn! Serve immediately.