Description
Croque Monsieur: A French Classic with a Cheesy Twist
Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
4 slices of thick-cut bread
4 slices of ham
1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Béchamel Sauce:
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Microgreens (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice. Layer two slices of bread with ham and half of the grated cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Cook the Sandwich:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast each sandwich until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a baking sheet.
Add the Topping:
Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Broil:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and microgreens, if desired. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this rich and cheesy Croque Monsieur with a crisp side salad or a bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
Enjoy this indulgent, French-inspired delight!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect Croque Monsieur. First, make your béchamel: melt butter, whisk in flour for one minute, then slowly add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until it coats the back of a spoon, then season. For assembly, use sturdy bread like brioche or sourdough. Spread mustard on the interior sides. Layer ham and a portion of cheese between the bread. In a skillet, butter the *outer* sides of the sandwich and grill over medium heat until golden. This toasts the bread and melts the interior cheese. Finally, spread béchamel on top, add the remaining cheese, and broil until perfectly browned and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious alone, this sandwich pairs beautifully with light, acidic sides to cut the richness. Serve with a simple green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette. A bowl of tomato soup or a French onion soup makes it a hearty meal. For a brunch, accompany it with cornichons (small French pickles) and a glass of dry white wine or sparkling cider.
How-to Summary
In brief: 1) Create a smooth béchamel sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasoning. 2) Assemble sandwiches with Dijon mustard, ham, and some cheese. 3) Grill the sandwiches in butter until golden. 4) Top each with béchamel and remaining cheese. 5) Broil until the topping is bubbly and spotty brown. 6) Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the béchamel sauce and assemble the sandwiches (without cooking) a few hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge. Cook just before serving.
What’s the difference between Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame? A Croque Madame is simply a Croque Monsieur topped with a fried or poached egg.
Can I use a different cheese? Gruyère is ideal for its melting quality and nutty flavor. Emmental, Comté, or a good Swiss cheese are excellent substitutes.
Is there a way to make it lighter? For a lighter version, use whole-grain bread, lean ham, low-fat milk for the béchamel, and reduce the overall cheese amount slightly.
My béchamel is lumpy. How can I fix it? Remove it from heat and whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender to smooth it out. Straining through a fine-mesh sieve also works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using thin, soft bread: It will become soggy. Always use thick-cut, sturdy bread.
- Broiling without watching: The cheese and béchamel can burn quickly under the broiler. Stay close and monitor it.
- Making the béchamel too thick: It should be spreadable, not a solid paste. Add a touch more milk if needed.
- Skipping the skillet toast: Going straight to the broiler without toasting the bread first results in a soggy, undercooked interior.
Conclusion
The Croque Monsieur is more than a ham and cheese sandwich; it’s a lesson in French comfort food elegance. Mastering the simple béchamel and the two-stage cooking process—griddling then broiling—transforms basic ingredients into a decadent, crispy, and deeply satisfying meal. Perfect for a sophisticated lunch or a quick yet impressive dinner, this classic is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!