Croque Monsieur Recipe (Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich)
User Reviews
4.5
Croque Monsieur Recipe (Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich)
Description
This Croque Monsieur Recipe combines toasted French bread with smoked ham and shredded Gruyère cheese, layered and dressed with a béchamel sauce infused with nutmeg and black pepper. The béchamel is prepared by cooking butter and flour into a roux, gradually whisking in whole milk until thickened, then adding seasonings and a portion of cheese. The toasted bread slices are spread with Dijon mustard before assembling the sandwich with ham and cheese.
The assembled sandwich is placed on a broiling rack and generously covered with béchamel sauce, then topped with remaining cheese. Baking until the top turns golden and bubbly creates a contrast between the creamy sauce and the crispy bread. The nutmeg and pepper in the sauce add subtle warmth to the flavor profile.
Croque Monsieur is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the béchamel is warm and the cheese is melted. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated up to two days and reheated in the oven to regain crispness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can cause sogginess.
The sandwich pairs well with light salads or simple sides given its richness.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter salted
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk whole
- 4 French bread thick slices
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ground
- 2 cups gruyere cheese about 4 ounces, divided, grated
- 4 ounces smoked ham sliced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Melt butter in your smallest saucepan over medium-low heat. After a few minutes, it will start to bubble. Once you see the bubbles, add the flour and begin to whisk. Cook, whisking, for two to three minutes until smooth and bubbly. Pour the milk in very slowly while continuing to whisk. Cook and whisk for another four or five minutes, until thick.
- Meanwhile, place your slice of bread in the preheated oven and toast for three or four minutes per side.
- Once the sauce is thick, turn off the heat and add the nutmeg, black pepper, and a third of the cheese. Set aside.
- Remove the toasted bread from the oven and spread a teaspoon of mustard onto two of the pieces. Lay half of the ham on top of the mustard, followed by half of the remaining cheese. Top the sandwich with another piece of bread, then place on a broiling rack over a baking sheet. Pour the sauce all over the top of the sandwiches, then bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and turn the broiler on to high. Broil for two or three minutes, until the top of the sauce becomes bubbly and browned. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftover Croque Monsieur wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat sandwiches in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the béchamel sauce and overall sandwich quality.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 578 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 578kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1504mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 538mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 1014IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 0.03mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 832mg | 83% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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