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    Home » Mains » Sandwiches

    Croque Monsieur Recipe

    Originally Published: Jan 2, 2019 · Last Updated: Feb 11, 2020 by Ann · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    267 shares
    • 2
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Closeup of a croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.
    Closeup of a croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.
    Croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.
    Croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.
    Closeup of a croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.

    Croque monsieur is a French sandwich made with ham, smothered in creamy béchamel and nutty Gruyère, and broiled till crispy and golden. Served with a green salad, it's perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner, and a simple and crazy delicious way to use leftover ham.

    My parents and I often end up in French bistros when they visit us in Montreal. They love a lively atmosphere with good wine and good food even more than I do!

    They also love brunch. This all goes to explain why I can't count the number of times I've seen my stepdad order a Croque Monsieur over the years.

    *This post probably contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

    A croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.

    I, on the other hand, had never so much as tasted one until I made these for Phil and I on New Year's Day. I was looking for something easy to use up some leftover Christmas ham, and Croque Monsieur sprang to mind.

    If you've never had one either, it is basically a ham and cheese sandwich (though I've often seen them served open-faced here), covered in creamy béchamel and nutty Gruyère, and broiled to golden perfection.

    In Paris, the béchamel sauce is reportedly an optional component, and presentation varies from one brasserie to another. A croque madame is a croque monsieur with a fried egg on top!

    In any case, it is delicious, and really easy and quick to make at home - if you're not flying to Paris anytime soon.

    Croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.

    How to Make a Croque Monsieur

    The first step is to make an easy béchamel sauce. If you're intimidated by French sauces, don't be! Béchamel especially is really simple.

    The main thing is to whisk constantly. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy lump-free sauce. I added a bit of minced onion to mine for extra flavor, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stirring in some of the cheese at the end made it extra thick and, well, cheesy.

    onion being sauteed in butter in a saucepan for bechamel sauce, and a second photo of cheese being added to cooked bechamel.

    You can use many types of bread for a croque monsieur, from brioche to sourdough. I opted for sourdough, relatively thinly sliced at about ½ inch thick. You can even use regular sliced white sandwich bread in a pinch.

    I toasted the bread before assembling the sandwich because I was afraid the béchamel would make it soggy, and I think this is key for a golden, crispy sandwich.

    Assembly of a croque monsieur. Dijon spread on two slices of bread, and the same two sliced covered with bechamel, ham and cheese

    You can use pretty much any good quality ham. I had some leftover from Christmas, but deli ham is typically used and would work just as well.

    Slather half the toasted bread slices with tangy Dijon mustard and a thick layer of béchamel. Add the ham and half the remaining cheese and top with the other bread slice.

    Smother with remaining béchamel and cheese and broil till golden and bubbly.

    Two croque monsieur sandwiches on a baking sheet, ready to be broiled.

    It's a thing of beauty, and perfect served with a green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich. Try these for brunch, lunch, or an easy dinner-with-Netflix.

    Closeup of a croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.

    Enjoy xx

    Sound good to you? If you make this croque monsieur recipe, I would be thrilled if you would take a pic and tag me on Instagram @ourhappymess!

    Or pin for later! ↓↓↓

    Closeup of a croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.

    And if you're looking for more easy brunch, lunch or dinner inspiration, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Or subscribe in the sidebar on the right to get every new recipe in your inbox 🙂

    Closeup of a croque monsieur sandwich sliced in half and served on a plate with a gherkin pickle.

    Croque Monsieur

    Croque monsieur is a French sandwich made with ham, smothered in creamy béchamel and nutty Gruyère, and broiled till crispy and golden.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: French
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 1239kcal
    Author: Ann Otis

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ tablespoons butter
    • 3 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
    • 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup milk
    • pinch ground nutmeg
    • salt and pepper
    • 4 slices sourdough bread
    • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
    • 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
    • 4 ounces sliced ham
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat the broiler on high. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
    • Make the béchamel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, a minute or two. Add the flour and cook for one minute, whisking constantly. Add the milk and keep whisking to break up any lumps, until the sauce bubbles and thickens, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in nutmeg and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in a half cup of the cheese.
    • On the prepared baking sheet, toast the bread slices under the broiler on both sides until golden. Keep a close eye on them as they will burn quickly!
    • On two of the bread slices, spread a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Slather with a thick layer of béchamel sauce. Add sliced ham and a half cup of cheese. Top with the two remaining bread slices to make two sandwiches. Transfer the sandwiches to the aluminum-lined baking sheet. Top the two sandwiches with the remaining béchamel and cheese. 
    • Broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1239kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 71g | Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 2071mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1710IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 1537mg | Iron: 5.9mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @OurHappyMess or tag #OurHappyMess!
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    267 shares
    • 2

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brian Jones

      January 21, 2019 at 3:54 am

      5 stars
      Such a great bistro classic, fantastic flavours and just about as good as it gets for lunch if you ask me!

      Reply
    2. Saima

      January 21, 2019 at 3:16 am

      5 stars
      Your step by step pictures are so helpful. This is looking so good.. all that gooey cheese and the meat makes this croque monsieur a winner indeed!

      Reply
      • Ann

        January 21, 2019 at 7:48 am

        Thank you so much Saima!

        Reply
    3. Adrianne

      January 21, 2019 at 2:19 am

      5 stars
      I like the photos along the way that show the steps. I have never heard of croque monsieur before, but I have a good idea of what that is now. Cheers and yum!!

      Reply
      • Ann

        January 21, 2019 at 7:48 am

        Thanks Adriane! It is delicious!

        Reply
    4. Natalie

      January 21, 2019 at 12:39 am

      5 stars
      I love croque monsieur! Looks so delicious and perfect for brunch!

      Reply
      • Ann

        January 21, 2019 at 7:49 am

        It definitely is! Thanks Natalie!

        Reply
    5. Lisa Bryan

      January 20, 2019 at 9:26 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at bechamel and gruyere! Yum! This sandwich looks and sounds amazing.

      Reply
      • Ann

        January 20, 2019 at 9:38 pm

        Thank you so much Lisa! It definitely is 🙂

        Reply

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    Ann from Our Happy Mess

    I'm Ann and I believe in balanced eating, homemade foods, and DESSERT. I love to cook, but I can't spend all day in the kitchen anymore, so what you'll mostly find here are simple, family-friendly recipes. I'm really happy you're here!
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