Croque Monsieur Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
954 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch
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Cuisine
French
Croque Monsieur Recipe
Description
The Croque Monsieur Recipe features crisped artisan bread with savory layers of country-style ham, spicy Dijon mustard, and creamy béchamel sauce. This mixture is topped with shredded Comté cheese and additional béchamel before being broiled until the cheese melts and browns, producing a sandwich with a contrast of crunchy edges and smooth, rich filling. The careful layering ensures balanced flavors without overpowering the toasted bread's texture.
The sandwich is designed to be eaten right out of the broiler to enjoy the cheese's melted texture and the sandwich's warmth. It works well as a satisfying meal that pairs nicely with a simple salad or light vegetable side. The use of artisan bread slices imparts a more rustic feel to this classic French dish.
Make-ahead notes suggest refrigerating covered sandwiches for up to three days and reheating in the oven to maintain the cheese melt and crispy bread. Additional béchamel sauce leftover from preparation can be repurposed for various dishes such as potatoes au gratin or lasagna, making this recipe versatile beyond just the sandwich itself.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 8 lices artisan bread
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 16-24 lices ham country style
- 1 bechamel recipe
- 2 cups Comté cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to high heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to a very large pan over medium-low heat until melted.
- Add 4 slices of bread to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted and lightly browned.
- Flip the bread over to cook on the other side.
- On two of the pieces of toasted bread add 1 tablespoon of mustard to each spreading it around to cover.
- Add 4-6 slices of ham to the top of the toast with mustard and then evenly spread/layer on as follows: 2 to 3 tablespoons of bechamel, ¼ cup shredded cheese, a slice of toasted bread, 3-4 tablespoons of bechamel and ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
- Place under the broiler on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned.
- Slice the sandwich and garnish optionally with chopped fresh parsley.
- Repeat the process to make the other sandwiches.
Notes
- This sandwich is best served immediately after broiling to retain the melted cheese texture.
- Store leftover sandwiches covered in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheating in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes helps restore warmth and cheese melt.
- Leftover béchamel sauce can be used in other recipes like potatoes au gratin, chicken nachos, biscuits and gravy, or lasagna Bolognese.
- Due to the large size of artisan bread slices, cook the sandwiches in batches if necessary to ensure even toasting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 954 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 954kcal | 48% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 58g | 116% |
| Fat | 62g | 95% |
| Saturated Fat | 31g | 155% |
| Cholesterol | 196mg | 65% |
| Sodium | 2116mg | 88% |
| Potassium | 819mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 1359IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 1032mg | 103% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.