The Croque Monsieur is a traditional French sandwich made with sliced bread, cooked ham, and Gruyère cheese, gratinated in the oven after being topped with a smooth béchamel sauce. The secret to this delicious sandwich lies in spreading the slices of bread with a flavorful Dijon butter, which we’ll also teach you how to prepare here. Simple yet delicious, the Croque Monsieur is a famous and sophisticated sandwich, both for its name and the ingredients...
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Place the butter and flour in a saucepan and cook until you achieve a roux, being careful not to burn the flour.
Heat the milk and season it with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour the milk over the roux.
Stir constantly until you achieve a smooth béchamel sauce.
Remove from heat and add the grated Gruyère cheese. Set aside.
In a bowl, combine the grated Gruyère cheese and cream cheese.
Mix until it forms a paste, and season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix the room-temperature butter with the Dijon mustard. Set aside.
Spread the slices of bread with the Dijon butter. Then, spread the cheese mixture (made with cream cheese and Gruyère) on top, add a slice of cooked ham, and cover with another slice of bread.
Grease a baking dish with butter and place the Croque Monsieur sandwiches inside. Add another slice of ham on top and pour the béchamel sauce over them.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) until the cheese is gratinated.
Use high-quality Gruyère cheese for the best flavor.
Ensure the béchamel sauce is smooth and lump-free for a perfect texture.
Serve the Croque Monsieur immediately for the best taste and texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with Emmental or Swiss cheese, but Gruyère is recommended for its authentic flavor.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prepare the béchamel sauce and filling ahead of time, but assemble and bake the sandwich just before serving for the best results.
What can I serve with Croque Monsieur?
Croque Monsieur pairs well with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach as a substitute.
What is the difference between Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame?
Croque Madame is similar to Croque Monsieur but includes a fried egg on top.
