How to Make a Decadent Croque Monsieur with Silky Béchamel Sauce

Simple Summary

A classic French sandwich elevated with creamy béchamel sauce, the Croque Monsieur is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory ham.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese

For the Sandwiches:

• 8 slices of thick white bread
• 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 8 slices of good quality ham
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

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

2. Make the béchamel sauce: a. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. b. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbling. c. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. d. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. e. Remove from heat and stir in salt, nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of Gruyère cheese. f. Set aside and let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the sandwiches: a. Lay out 8 slices of bread on a work surface. b. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on 4 slices. c. Top the mustard-spread slices with 2 slices of ham each. d. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Gruyère cheese over the ham on each sandwich. e. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.

4. Cook the sandwiches: a. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. b. Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. c. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet.

5. Finish the Croque Monsieur: a. Spread the béchamel sauce generously over the top of each sandwich. b. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the béchamel. c. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. d. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown (watch carefully to prevent burning).

6. Let the sandwiches cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes

• For the best flavor, use high-quality ham and Gruyère cheese. Emmental or Comté cheese can be substituted if Gruyère is unavailable.
• To make ahead, assemble the sandwiches and prepare the béchamel sauce separately. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking and baking.
• For a lighter version, use whole grain bread and reduced-fat cheese.
• Add a fried egg on top to transform this into a Croque Madame.
• Leftover béchamel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (1 sandwich): Approximately 650 calories, 35g protein, 40g carbohydrates, 40g fat. Rich in calcium from the cheese and protein from the ham. Contains vitamins A and D from the milk and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Pair with a chilled glass of dry white wine like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc.
• For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit and a café au lait.
• Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.