Classic Croque Monsieur

Classic Croque Monsieur

Introduction:

When it comes to elevated comfort food, the Croque Monsieur stands tall as a timeless French bistro favorite. This sandwich is the epitome of indulgence — golden slices of toasted bread layered with savory ham and melted cheese, smothered in creamy béchamel sauce, and finished under the broiler for that irresistible crispy, cheesy top. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner, this dish promises to impress with its rich flavors and luxurious textures.

Ingredients:

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices white or brioche bread

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 4 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)

• 8 slices of deli ham (preferably smoked or Parisian)

• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

  ADVERTISEMENT

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a roux.
   Gradually add warm milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
   Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese if using. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Lightly toast the bread slices in a pan or toaster to keep them from getting soggy.
   Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of 4 slices of bread (optional).
   Layer each with ham slices and a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese.
   Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

3. Toast the Sandwiches:
   In a skillet or griddle, melt butter over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for about 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (you don’t need to melt the cheese fully yet).

   ADVERTISEMENT

4. Top and Broil:
   Preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet.
   Spoon béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle more shredded Gruyère on top.
   Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

5. Serve:
   Let cool for a minute, then sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot!

Conclusion:

The Croque Monsieur is more than just a grilled ham and cheese — it’s a symphony of textures and tastes. From the creamy béchamel to the crisp toast and gooey cheese, each bite offers a bit of decadence. It’s a dish that turns an ordinary sandwich into a luxurious experience, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests. For an extra touch of elegance, serve it with a green salad and a glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade.