How to Make a Classic Croque Monsieur with Velvety Béchamel Sauce

Simple Summary

A classic French sandwich elevated with creamy béchamel sauce, the Croque Monsieur is a delightful combination of ham, cheese, and toasted bread that's perfect for a luxurious lunch or casual dinner.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 8 slices of white bread
• 8 slices of good quality ham
• 200g Gruyère cheese, grated
• 50g unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Start by making the béchamel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 50g of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to make a roux.

3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

5. Lightly toast the bread slices.

6. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice.

7. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a slice of ham on the mustard side of 4 bread slices. Sprinkle with some grated Gruyère. Top with another slice of ham and then another bread slice, mustard side down.

8. Spread the softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.

9. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

10. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet. Spoon the béchamel sauce generously over each sandwich, ensuring they're well covered.

11. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the béchamel.

12. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.

13. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes

• For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the béchamel sauce.
• If Gruyère is unavailable, Emmental or a good quality Swiss cheese can be substituted.
• To make it a Croque Madame, top each sandwich with a fried egg before serving.
• Leftover béchamel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 650 calories. This dish is high in protein from the ham and cheese, and provides calcium for bone health. While indulgent, it can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Croque Monsieur with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich. A glass of dry white wine, such as Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully. For a complete French bistro experience, finish the meal with a small pot of café au lait and a fruit tart for dessert.