frenchsandwichhamgruyereclassicbroiledbeginner

Croque Monsieur

Name: Croque Monsieur
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 slices (about 160 g) brioche bread; 20 g Dijon mustard; 120 g cooked ham; 100 g Gruyère, grated; 10 g unsalted butter, softened; 20 g unsalted butter; 20 g plain flour; 200 ml whole milk; 1 g fine salt; 1 g black pepper; 0.5 g ground nutmeg

Croque Monsieur is a rich, crisp-edged French baked sandwich layered with ham, nutty Gruyère, and a velvety béchamel topping. The result is deeply savory and comforting, with bubbling cheese on top and a tender, flavorful center.

15 min

2 servings

652 kcal

French

Ingredients

Sandwiches

4 slices (about 160 g)brioche bread
20 gDijon mustard
120 gcooked ham
100 gGruyère, grated
10 gunsalted butter, softened

Béchamel

20 gunsalted butter
20 gplain flour
200 mlwhole milk
1 gfine salt
1 gblack pepper
0.5 gground nutmeg

Instructions

1
Preheat the grill/broiler to high. Set a small saucepan over medium heat. Measure out all ingredients so the béchamel and sandwich assembly move quickly.
2
Make the béchamel: melt the unsalted butter in the saucepan, add the plain flour, and whisk for about 30 seconds until a pale paste forms. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until lightly thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with fine salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Remove from the heat.
3
Lightly toast the brioche bread slices on one side only under the grill/broiler or in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes, just until the surface is a little dry and pale golden. This helps prevent sogginess.
4
Spread Dijon mustard over the untoasted side of 2 bread slices. Divide the cooked ham over them, then add about half of the Gruyère, grated. Close with the remaining bread slices, toasted side facing inward.
5
Spread the tops of the sandwiches with a thin layer of béchamel, letting it reach close to the edges. Sprinkle over the remaining Gruyère, grated. Lightly butter a small baking tray or ovenproof pan so the bottoms crisp rather than stick.
6
Grill/broil the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and deeply golden in spots. The bread edges should be crisp and the filling hot through; if needed, move the tray slightly lower to prevent over-browning before the center heats.
7
Rest for 1 minute so the filling settles, then serve immediately while the top is still bubbling and the bread is crisp.

Nutrition per serving

652 kcal

Calories

34g

Protein

34g

Carbs

42g

Fat

Fiber

Notes

•For the quickest beginner-friendly version, use pre-sliced cooked ham and grate the cheese before starting.
•Traditional Croque Monsieur is often made with pain de mie, but brioche gives a rich, soft interior and works well here.
•If you want an extra-crisp bottom, toast the assembled sandwiches in a pan for 1 minute before adding the béchamel and grilling.
•Serve with a simple green salad or cornichons to cut the richness.

Background

Croque Monsieur appeared in Paris cafés in the early 20th century and became one of the classic staples of French bistro cooking. Its name is often linked to the verb croquer, meaning “to crunch,” a nod to the toasted bread. The combination of ham, cheese, and béchamel turned a simple toasted sandwich into an iconic café dish.

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