Irresistible Croque Monsieur
Indulge in the classic French delight of Croque Monsieur, a warm and gooey sandwich that promises comfort with every bite. Picture crispy, buttery bread layered with smoky ham and melted Gruyère cheese, finished with a creamy béchamel sauce. This dish brings together friends and family, making it perfect for brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Easy to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your guests, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices thick crusty white bread (or sourdough)
- 8 oz high-quality deli ham
- 6 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for spreading)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- Assemble Your Sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Layer ham and Gruyère cheese between two slices, ensuring the buttered sides face out.
- Grill to Perfection: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake for Extra Crispiness: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place sandwiches on a baking tray, top with remaining béchamel sauce and Gruyère cheese. Bake for 5-7 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice diagonally and serve warm alongside a simple salad or crispy fries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, replace ham with roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms. - Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days; reheat at 350°F to maintain crispiness.