The Gourmet Croque-Monsieur - Classic French Recipe
Discover the authentic French croque-monsieur, an essential classic that combines simplicity with flavor. Golden sandwich bread, delicate ham, and melted cheese baked in the oven for a result that is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
🛒 Ingredients
2 servings
- 8 slices of white sandwich bread
- 7 oz high-quality ham, thinly sliced
- 7 oz shredded Emmental cheese
- 3.5 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp flour
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Watch the original video
Watch on TikTokDirections
- 1
Prepare a light béchamel sauce: melt 2 tbsp of butter in a saucepan, add the flour and stir for a few seconds. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to obtain a smooth, thick sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- 2
Lightly butter one side of 4 slices of bread. Place them butter-side down on a cutting board.
- 3
Spread the béchamel on each slice. Add a portion of the ham, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Cover with a second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- 4
Butter the exterior surfaces of the sandwiches with the remaining softened butter.
- 5
Place on a baking sheet and bake at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and browned.
- 6
Remove from the oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Serve hot, ideally with a corner of a paper napkin.
💡 Chef's Tip
For an even tastier croque-monsieur, use premium quality ham and authentic French Emmental. You can also add a touch of whole-grain mustard between the layers for more character. If you prefer the stovetop method, cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side in hot butter.
