Croque Monsieur: The Ultimate French Comfort Dish
Indulge in the classic French delicacy, Croque Monsieur, a heavenly baked sandwich layered with creamy béchamel, melted Gruyère cheese, and savory ham. Perfect for a quick lunch, an elegant brunch, or a delightful dinner, this dish never fails to impress. Follow our detailed recipe to recreate this Parisian favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White sandwich bread (Pancarré) | 8 slices |
| Gruyère cheese (grated) | 200 g |
| Cooked ham (thinly sliced) | 240 g |
| Unsalted butter | As needed |
| Whole milk | 300 ml |
| All-purpose flour | 30 g |
| Butter (for béchamel) | 30 g |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Nutmeg (grated) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Warm the Milk: Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat until it’s just warm, but do not bring it to a boil.
- Make the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt 30 g of butter over low heat. Once melted, gradually add the sifted flour, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Combine: Slowly pour the warm milk into the roux while whisking vigorously. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season: Add a pinch of salt and a touch of grated nutmeg for flavor. Transfer the béchamel to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Gruyère Cheese
- Grate the Gruyère cheese into fine shreds. Set aside a portion for layering and topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Prepare the Bread: Lay 4 slices of white sandwich bread on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice.
- Layer the Fillings:
- Place 2 slices of cooked ham on each buttered slice.
- Add a generous handful of grated Gruyère cheese on top of the ham.
- Top the Sandwiches: Cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side facing inward, so the outer sides remain plain for the next step.
Step 4: Top with Béchamel and Cheese
- Spread the top side of each sandwich generously with the prepared béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese evenly over the béchamel for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 215°C (420°F) in static mode.
- Arrange the sandwiches on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and bubbling. For an extra crisp finish, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Croque Monsieur from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey. Pair with a fresh green salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Matters: Gruyère is traditional, but you can substitute with Emmental or Comté for a similar nutty flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese for the best melting quality.
- Customize: Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the béchamel for an extra kick or swap the ham for turkey to suit your preferences.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate. Add béchamel and cheese just before baking.
Experience the magic of French cuisine with this simple yet elegant dish. Croque Monsieur is more than just a sandwich—it’s a taste of France you can recreate anytime!
