Delicious Easy Croque Monsieur Recipe
The Delicious Easy Croque Monsieur Recipe is a classic French sandwich. It is warm, cheesy and very satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick white bread
- 4 slices cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for one minute until smooth and lightly golden.
Add the Milk
- Slowly pour milk into the saucepan while whisking. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy and slightly thick.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce. Stir well and cook one more minute until the flavor develops.
Prepare the Bread
- Lay the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on four slices.
Add Ham and Cheese
- Place one slice of ham on each mustard-covered bread slice. Sprinkle some shredded Gruyère cheese over the ham.
Close the Sandwich
- Place another bread slice on top of each sandwich. Press lightly to keep the layers together.
Spread the Sauce
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the top of each sandwich for creamy flavor.
Add More Cheese
- Sprinkle extra Gruyère and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. This creates a golden cheesy crust while baking.
Bake the Sandwiches
- Place sandwiches on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes until cheese melts.
Broil for Crispiness
- Turn on the broiler for two minutes. This step creates a bubbly, golden, crispy cheese topping.
Notes
- Use sourdough bread for extra flavor and texture.
- Add sliced tomatoes for freshness.
- Replace ham with turkey for a lighter option.
- Use mozzarella with Gruyère for extra meltiness.
- Cook sandwiches in a skillet before baking for extra crisp bread.
- Add a fried egg on top to make a Croque Madame.
- Use whole-grain bread for a healthier version.