This warm and comforting French sandwich is a true treat for your taste buds. Imagine layers of thinly sliced ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between slices of crusty bread. The Croque Monsieur offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the richness of the sauce and cheese complementing the savory ham. It’s a delightful combination that will transport you to a cozy café in Paris with every bite. Let’s begin!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (white or brioche)
- 4 slices of ham
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Take each slice of bread and spread a layer of béchamel sauce on one side.
- Place a slice of ham on top of the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated cheese.
- Top each sandwich with another slice of bread and spread another layer of sauce on top.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on the top layer of sauce.
- Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden crust, broil the sandwiches for an additional 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Choose a good quality bread with a sturdy texture that can hold up to the creamy sauce and cheese. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère and Swiss cheese work beautifully, but you can also try cheddar or mozzarella for a twist. For a Croque Madame, simply top each sandwich with a fried egg before baking. Serve your Croque Monsieur with a side of crispy French fries, a fresh green salad, or a tangy cornichon pickle for a complete meal. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
