Croque Monsieur

Name: Croque Monsieur
Total time: 25 min
Yield: For Two
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 thick bread slices; 4 ham slices; 1.5 cups grated Gruyere cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 1 cup milk; 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Croque Monsieur is the ultimate French grilled ham and cheese, layered with creamy bechamel and broiled until bubbling and golden. The rich sauce and melted Gruyere take a simple sandwich to a whole new level. It is a cafe classic that comes together in about 25 minutes at home.

French High-Protein Stovetop Lunch Brunch For Two 30-Minute Comfort Food Cheese Ham

⏱ 25 min
📊 easy
🍽 For Two

Ingredients

4 thick bread slices
4 ham slices
1.5 cups grated Gruyere cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Make a bechamel: melt the butter, whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk until thick.
Stir in the mustard and a handful of the cheese, then season.
Toast the bread lightly and spread bechamel on the inside faces.

Layer the ham and some cheese, then close the sandwiches.
Spread more bechamel on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until bubbling and golden, then serve hot.

💡 Chef's tip

Use day-old bread; it holds up to the sauce without going soggy and toasts to a sturdier base.

A layer of bechamel both inside and on top is what sets a Croque Monsieur apart from an ordinary grilled cheese, melting into the bread and forming a golden, bubbling crust under the broiler.