Savory Croque Monsieur Recipe Easy Homemade French Ham & Cheese Sandwich Recipe
This Savory Croque Monsieur recipe is an easy homemade take on the classic French ham and cheese sandwich. Featuring layers of quality cooked ham, aged Gruyère cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all nestled between slices of buttery toasted bread, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner with a delightfully golden crust and melty cheese interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fillings
- 8 slices sturdy white sandwich bread or pain de mie
- 6–8 thin slices quality cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) grated aged Gruyère cheese
Béchamel Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- A pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning to form a roux.
- Add milk and seasonings: Gradually pour in 1 ¼ cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard if using.
- Prepare the bread and fillings: Lay out the 8 slices of bread and spread a thin layer of béchamel on one side of each slice. On four slices, layer 1-2 slices of ham, then sprinkle about ½ cup grated Gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, béchamel side down, to form sandwiches.
- Butter the sandwiches: Spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, covering both top and bottom slices to ensure a golden crust.
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to form a deep golden crust and to melt the cheese inside.
- Finish with cheese topping (optional): Spoon more béchamel over the top of each sandwich, sprinkle with remaining grated Gruyère, and place under a broiler or in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm: Allow sandwiches to cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set slightly and make for easier eating.
Notes
- Use medium heat while cooking to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Freshly grate the Gruyère cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- If your béchamel sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash more milk to loosen it.
- Butter the bread generously for a beautifully golden and crispy crust.
- Broiling the sandwich at the end is optional but highly recommended for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, ham and cheese sandwich, béchamel sauce, Gruyère cheese, toasted sandwich, easy French recipe