Croque Monsieur

Name: Croque Monsieur
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: France
Ingredients: 4 slices of sandwich bread; 4 slices of cooked ham; 30 g of butter; 30 g of flour; 100 g of shredded cheese; 250 ml of milk; 1 pinch of nutmeg

5,02 reviews

This hot sandwich is made with sandwich bread, ham, shredded cheese, and béchamel. 🍞 Cooking it in a skillet browns the bread evenly.

Total time: 30 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €2.50

By the CookinBreak team

Ingredients 7

servings

Estimated cost €5.00

Equipment

Skillet
Saucepan
Whisk
Spatula

Instructions

Tap a number to check off the step, and a time to start a timer.

Make the béchamel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, stirring quickly with a whisk to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Let simmer until the béchamel thickens. Season with the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Take two slices of sandwich bread and spread a tablespoon of béchamel on each one's inner side. Place a slice of ham and a handful of shredded cheese on the béchamel of one of the slices, then close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
In a skillet preheated over medium heat, melt a knob of butter. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden and crisp on each side and the cheese is melted.
Repeat for the other Croque-Monsieurs.
Once the croque-monsieurs are cooked, cut them diagonally to make two triangles. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

As a starter

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Quiche Lorraine

1 hEasy

For dessert

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Petit Beurre Butter Cookies

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To drink

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Lavender Lemonade

5 minEasy

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

440kcal

Protein22 g22%
Carbs36 g37%
Fat18 g41%
Fiber2 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

To add an extra crispy touch to your Croque Monsieur, sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese on top of the sandwich before broiling it. 🧀 It will form a golden, flavorful crust that adds a pleasant texture to every bite. 🥪✨

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Freeze uncooked, individually wrapped (plastic wrap, foil). 1 month max. Cook without thawing first.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 1 to 2 days at most after cooking in an airtight container in the fridge.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

Can be assembled uncooked the day before, wrapped and refrigerated. Cook just before serving.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F), 10-15 min to crisp up. Microwave not recommended (softens the bread).

Variations

Add a fried egg on top for a croque-madame.
Replace the cooked ham with smoked ham or turkey for a different taste.
Make a vegetarian version by replacing the ham with spinach and sautéed mushrooms.

Mistakes to avoid

Making a béchamel that is too runny: it spills out of the sandwich when cooking. Let it thicken on the heat while whisking.
Cooking over too high a heat: the bread burns before the cheese melts. Cook over medium heat, turning the sandwich.
Overfilling the sandwich: it is hard to flip and the cheese escapes. Go easy on the béchamel and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

Which bread should I choose for a croque-monsieur?

Sandwich bread, in even slices that are not too thin, is ideal: it browns well in the skillet and holds the filling. Avoid bread that is too fresh or very soft, which tears when you spread the béchamel.

How do I make the béchamel for a croque-monsieur?

Melt the butter, add the flour while whisking to form a roux, then pour in the milk little by little, stirring constantly. Add a pinch of nutmeg: the béchamel should coat the spoon.

Can I broil the croque-monsieur in the oven?

Yes, you can broil it in the oven after assembling it, with shredded cheese on top. This recipe cooks it in a skillet, which browns the bread on both sides and keeps it crisp.

Which cheese should I use for a croque-monsieur?

A cheese that melts well: shredded emmental, gruyère or comté. The more flavorful it is, the more fragrant the croque-monsieur will be. Spread it over the ham and into the béchamel so it melts evenly.