Classic French Croque Monsieur Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of white bread
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 150 grams of grated Gruyère cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Nutmeg, to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
  2. To create the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes until it forms a paste.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
  4. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Then add half of the grated Gruyère cheese and stir until it melts. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  5. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of the cheese sauce on each slice. Top each with a slice of ham and some of the remaining Gruyère.
  6. Cover with the remaining slices of bread, and spread more cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle with the rest of the Gruyère cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  8. Let the sandwiches cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Baking Sheet - Used to place the assembled Croque Monsieur sandwiches for baking.
  • Saucepan - Needed to prepare the béchamel sauce for the recipe.
  • Whisk - Used to combine the ingredients and ensure a smooth consistency in the béchamel sauce.
  • Grater - Required to grate the Gruyère cheese for the recipe.
  • Knife - Used to slice the bread and ham for assembling the Croque Monsieur sandwiches.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread for a healthier option.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese such as Swiss, Cheddar, or Emmental.
  • Add sliced tomatoes or caramelized onions to the sandwich for extra flavor.
  • Replace the ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different meat option.
  • Make a Croque Madame by adding a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
  • Try a vegetarian version by omitting the ham or replacing it with sliced mushrooms.
  • Make a Croque Hawaiian by adding a pineapple slice to each sandwich.
  • Add a layer of Dijon mustard to give the sandwiches a tangy kick.

Recipe overview

The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that is perfect for a hearty lunch or a delectable and quick dinner. It's essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, but what elevates it is a creamy béchamel sauce and the use of Gruyère cheese. The name "Croque Monsieur" literally means "Mr. Crunch" in French, a nod to its deliciously crispy exterior. Baking it in the oven allows the Gruyère cheese to melt beautifully, while the béchamel sauce adds a touch of luxury. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a homemade béchamel sauce, assembling the sandwiches with ham and Gruyère cheese, and baking them to golden perfection. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying sandwich with a delightful crunch. Serve it with a light salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. Enjoy the process, and as the French would say, "Bon Appétit!"

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use different types of bread such as whole wheat, sourdough, or baguette, but keep in mind that the traditional Croque Monsieur is made with white bread.
  2. Can I substitute the ham with another meat? Absolutely! If you're not a fan of ham, you can substitute it with cooked turkey, chicken, or even bacon for a different flavor.
  3. What can I use as a vegetarian alternative? You can replace the ham with thinly sliced roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Can I use a different type of cheese? While Gruyère cheese is the traditional choice for Croque Monsieur, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Emmental, Swiss, or Cheddar for a different taste.
  5. Can I make Croque Monsieur ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent the bread from drying out.
  6. Can I freeze Croque Monsieur? It's not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwiches, as they may become soggy upon thawing. It's best to enjoy them fresh from the oven.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used to place the assembled Croque Monsieur sandwiches for baking.
  • Saucepan - Needed to melt the butter and cook the flour for the béchamel sauce.
  • Whisk - Used to mix and incorporate the milk into the flour and butter mixture for the sauce.
  • Grater - Required to grate the Gruyère cheese for both the sauce and topping.
  • Oven - Used to bake the Croque Monsieur sandwiches until golden and bubbly.

Origin stories

The Croque Monsieur, an iconic French sandwich, made its debut in Parisian cafes in the early 20th century. Its name, which translates to "Mister Crunch", aptly describes the delightful contrast between the sandwich's crisp exterior and its creamy, cheesy filling. Although simplicity is at the heart of this sandwich, it's the quality of ingredients—freshly baked bread, fine ham, and Gruyère cheese—that sets it apart. In fact, the French take their Croque Monsieur so seriously that there's even a female version called the Croque Madame, which is essentially a Croque Monsieur topped with a fried egg! So next time you bite into this French culinary masterpiece, remember you're savoring not just a sandwich, but a piece of Parisian history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.