The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich, deliciously indulgent and often found in French cafés. It consists of a combination of creamy béchamel sauce, ham, and Gruyère cheese, all grilled to perfection. When topped with a fried egg, it transforms into a Croque Madame.
Ingredients
- 4slice white bread
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 2tbspall-purpose flour
- 1cupwhole milk
- 1pinchsalt
- 1/4tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 1pinchground nutmeg
- 1cupgrated Gruyère cheese
- 4slice cooked ham
- 1tbspDijon mustard
Optional for Croque Madame
- 2large eggs
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
373.0kcal (18.65%)
Protein
16.1g (32.1%)
Carbs
12.3g (4.49%)
Sugars
5.5g (10.9%)
Healthy Fat
8.6g
Unhealthy Fat
18.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Croque Monsieur
Prepare Béchamel Sauce
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese until melted.
Assemble the Sandwich
Preheat your oven's grill or broiler.
Spread a thin layer of mustard on each slice of bread.
Layer ham and half of the remaining Gruyère cheese on two slices of bread.
Top with the remaining bread slices.
Cook the Sandwich
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Brush the outside of each sandwich with melted butter.
Cook sandwiches until the bread is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Grill with Cheese
Place sandwiches on a baking sheet.
Spoon béchamel sauce over each sandwich and top with remaining Gruyère cheese.
Grill until cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Optional Croque Madame
In a small nonstick pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
Slide a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
373.0kcal (18.65%)
Protein
16.1g (32.1%)
Carbs
12.3g (4.49%)
Sugars
5.5g (10.9%)
Healthy Fat
8.6g
Unhealthy Fat
18.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
For a crispier Croque Monsieur, allow the sandwiches to rest for a few minutes to let the béchamel set slightly before cutting them.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with Emmental or cheddar cheese.
How can I make the sandwich more flavorful?
Try adding a pinch of herbs like thyme or rosemary to the béchamel sauce.
Can I prepare the béchamel sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the béchamel sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What can I serve with Croque Monsieur?
Serve with a side salad or French fries for a complete meal.
How should I store leftover sandwiches?
Wrap leftover sandwiches in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a moderate oven before serving.
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Australia