Croque Monsieur
A delicious French sandwich made with ham, cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, perfect for brunch or a quick meal at home.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices Sourdough or country white bread Slices thick enough to hold everything without turning mushy.
- 4 slices Sliced deli ham Can also use leftover roast ham.
- 1 cup Shredded Gruyère cheese Can substitute with Swiss cheese or Emmental.
- 2 tablespoons Butter For spreading on the bread.
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter For making the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour To thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup Milk To create a creamy sauce.
- 1 pinch Salt To taste.
- 1 pinch Black pepper To taste.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Optional for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or get the broiler ready.
- Butter the outside of each slice of bread generously.
- Toast the bread slightly in a pan or toaster, just until it's starting to brown.
- Pile ham on two slices of bread, followed by shredded Gruyère cheese.
Making the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until the mixture thickens and is creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well combined.
Assembling the Sandwich
- Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce over the ham and cheese.
- Top each sandwich with another slice of bread.
- Add more béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven or under the broiler until bubbly and golden brown, about 5-10 minutes.
Notes
Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter meal or serve with a cozy bowl of hot soup. You can also cut into smaller pieces for snacks or appetizers.