Croque Monsieur is the ultimate French comfort food, a golden, cheesy, toasted ham and cheese sandwich elevated to something far more decadent than the classic version you might make at home. Originating in Parisian cafés in the early 20th century, this beloved bistro dish is all about simple ingredients transformed into something luxurious. With its crisp, buttery exterior, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey melted cheese, Croque Monsieur is rich, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious.
At its heart, this iconic sandwich is made with slices of soft, slightly sweet white bread layered with thinly sliced ham and nutty Gruyère or Emmental cheese. What sets it apart is the addition of a luscious béchamel sauce, a silky mixture of butter, flour, and milk, spread generously inside and on top of the sandwich. Once assembled, the Croque Monsieur is baked or broiled until the cheese is bubbling and the top turns golden and crisp, creating a mouthwatering contrast between the creamy interior and crunchy crust.
The beauty of this classic French recipe lies in its versatility. While it’s often served as a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s also perfect for brunch when paired with a green salad and a glass of wine. Add a fried or poached egg on top, and it becomes a Croque Madame, another French favorite with a delightful extra layer of richness.
Croque Monsieur isn’t just delicious, it’s a perfect example of how French cuisine turns everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s deeply comforting yet elegant enough to serve guests, making it a go-to recipe for cozy weekends or special occasions. And while it may sound fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few pantry staples.
With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, Croque Monsieur proves that even a simple sandwich can become a showstopping meal. One bite of this Parisian classic, and you’ll understand why it has been loved for more than a century.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread preferably white or sourdough
- 2 slices ham cooked
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese or Emmental
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup béchamel sauce homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread half of the béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the other side of each slice.
- Layer the ham and half of the Gruyère cheese on top of the béchamel side of one slice of bread, then place the other slice of bread on top, béchamel side down.
- Spread half the butter on the outside of the sandwich, then sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
- Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, cut in half, and serve hot.
Nutrition
I want to try this but what’s béchamel sauce? Is it just milk and flour? 🤔
Béchamel sauce is like a creamy white sauce made from milk, butter, and flour! It’s super tasty and makes a difference! You should definitely try it! 😊
Sounds complicated! Can’t I just use some melted cheese instead? 😅
Perfect comfort food! I made these for brunch and everyone loved them. Definitely a keeper!
I don’t know about béchamel sauce. Isn’t it just fancy gravy? Not sure it’s worth the hassle.
I totally get where you’re coming from! Béchamel can seem fancier than it really is. But once you try it, you might change your mind. It adds a creamy texture that makes the Croque Monsieur extra special!
Nah, it’s not just fancy gravy! Béchamel is like a staple in cooking. Trust me, once u make it right, you’ll love it. Just take a little time, it’s worth it!
Yum! I didn’t have ham so used turkey instead, still good! But it ain’t a croque monsieur then, right?
Well, turkey is good too! But yeah, I guess it changes the whole thing. I love croque monsieurs! 😂
This seems too complicated for a sandwich. Just slather some butter and toast it, call it a day!
Gonna give this a shot! If I burn it, would that make it a croque mademoiselle?
Just follow the steps and you should be fine. Burning it is just a waste of food, ya know?
Haha! If it’s burnt, you might just invent a new dish! Good luck! 😄
This recipe is amazing! Super cheesy and satisfying. I added some tomatoes for extra flavor, and it turned out great!
I tried this but I used cheddar instead of Gruyère… it was just okay. I think it needs that fancy cheese!
I hear ya! Gruyère really does make a big difference. Using cheddar might change the flavor too much. Next time, give it another shot with the right cheese! 🍞🧀
Cheddar’s good, but it’s not the same! Gruyère is so creamy, it gives that extra kick. You didn’t mess it up too bad, just try again! 😉
Croque monsieur is the best! I’ve been making it for years, and this recipe is spot on. 10/10!
Totally agree! This recipe is perfect, and I love how crispy the bread gets. Yummy! 😋
I followed the recipe exactly but my cheese didn’t melt… What did I do wrong?
Can you use cheddar instead of Gruyère? Asking for a friend!
Too many steps for me. I just want to eat not cook!
This is quite similar to a grilled cheese but fancier. I threw in some tomatoes! Yum!
Too complicated! Takes too much time for a sandwich! 🤦♀️
Wow, this Croque Monsieur recipe is so good! I never made it before but this was super easy!
Why not use turkey? Ham is so old-school. This sandwich can be made better. Just saying.
Turkey would totally be a better option. Ham’s flavor can be too strong sometimes. I agree with you!
I don’t know, isn’t ham the classic choice for this? Turkey is okay but just doesn’t hit the same way.
Delicious! The béchamel really makes it special. Family loved it!
Meh, just bread and ham. I expected more. 😒
It’s alright, but I think it needs more seasoning. Maybe add some salt or pepper?
I totally agree! A little extra salt can make a big difference. I also like adding some herbs like thyme or oregano for more flavor.
Not sure if it should be called a sandwich, more like a fancy toast! But it was still tasty!
This is just fabulous! I love how cheesy and crunchy it is. Perfect comfort food! 🍞
Idk if I’m doin it right. My sandwich is a soggy mess. 🤷♂️ Who has time for béchamel?
Béchamel does take time, but it’s worth it! You gotta make sure you don’t put too much sauce, or it’ll get soggy. Try again, you’ll get it next time! 😊
Really great recipe, but I used cheddar instead of Gruyère because it was what I had. Still delicious!
Cheddar sounds like a good twist! I might try that next time. Thanks for sharing your hack!
I dunno, cheddar just ain’t the same as Gruyère. But hey, if you liked it, that’s what matters!