The Croque Monsieur is a French classic that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. This version is packed with layers of creamy béchamel sauce, nutty Gruyère cheese, and premium ham, all sandwiched between slices of crispy, buttery bread. It’s a perfect treat for a weekend brunch or as a special lunch option. For a twist, you can turn it into a Croque Madame by adding a fried egg on top!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bechamel Sauce:

• 3 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (reserve ½ tbsp for buttering the bread)

• 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or ¼ tbsp guar gum for gluten-free)

• 2 to 2 ½ cups whole milk

• 3 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (or Swiss cheese as a substitute)

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 sprig of thyme (stem removed)

For the Sandwich:

• ½ tablespoon melted unsalted butter (reserved from the béchamel sauce)

• 8 slices rustic sandwich bread (preferably brioche or any sturdy bread)

• 8 slices Hillshire Farm® Premium Carved Ham

• 8-10 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (or Swiss cheese, aged)

For Garnish:

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives or green onions

Directions

1. Make the Bechamel Sauce:

   • Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan. Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes.

   • Gradually add the milk, bring it to a simmer, and whisk frequently until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

   • Remove from heat, stir in salt, pepper, and the grated Gruyère and Swiss cheeses. Set aside.

2. Toast the Bread:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack in the bottom third.

   • Lay the bread slices on a baking sheet and butter each slice with the reserved melted butter. Toast the bread in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.

3. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Once toasted, spread about 1 tablespoon of béchamel sauce on each slice of bread.

   • Add slices of ham and a generous amount of shredded Gruyère on the bread.

   • Top with the second slice of toasted bread.

   • Add another tablespoon of béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich and sprinkle generously with more shredded Gruyère cheese.

4. Broil:

   • Turn the oven broiler on high and place the sandwiches under the broiler.

   • Broil for 2 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the sandwiches from the oven and slice in half.

   • Garnish with fresh chives or green onions, and serve warm.

Nutrients (Per Sandwich)

• Calories: 490 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 27g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 850mg

• Potassium: 300mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

These Croque Monsieur sandwiches are a luxurious and satisfying dish that will make you feel like you’re dining in a French café. For an extra indulgence, turn it into a Croque Madame by adding a fried sunny-side-up egg on top!

Why You Should Try the Croque Monsieur

What makes the Croque Monsieur so irresistible is the combination of rich, comforting ingredients. The creamy béchamel sauce adds velvety smoothness to the sandwich, while the Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and adds a savory, nutty flavor. The premium ham provides a perfect balance of saltiness, and the toasted, buttery bread offers a satisfying crunch. Whether you enjoy it with a sunny-side-up egg for a Croque Madame or as a traditional Croque Monsieur, this sandwich is a true treat for the taste buds.

Its versatility makes it an excellent option for various occasions—whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a brunch dish to impress, or a cozy dinner. It’s also a great way to elevate a basic ham and cheese sandwich into something truly special.

The Key Ingredients for Croque Monsieur

The ingredients for this Croque Monsieur are simple but come together to create a rich and indulgent sandwich. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Béchamel Sauce: This creamy white sauce, made with butter, flour, and milk, is the heart of the Croque Monsieur. The addition of Gruyère cheese gives it a deep, savory flavor that complements the ham and cheese in the sandwich.

• Bread: Sturdy, rustic bread is essential for this dish. Brioche works wonderfully due to its slight sweetness and soft texture, which pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and salty ham. You can also use any sturdy sandwich bread of your choice.

• Ham: Premium carved ham, such as Hillshire Farm® Premium Carved Ham, is key to achieving the perfect balance of saltiness and tenderness in the sandwich.

• Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère is the classic choice for this dish, adding a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. If you prefer, Swiss cheese can also be used as a substitute.

• Butter: Unsalted butter is used to toast the bread, adding richness and crispiness to the sandwich.

• Chives or Green Onions: These are used for garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant note that cuts through the richness of the dish.

How to Make Croque Monsieur

Making this indulgent French classic is straightforward, and the process comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how you can prepare it:

1. Make the Béchamel Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.

   • Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes to create a roux.

   • Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

   • Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and grated Gruyère cheese. Set the sauce aside.

2. Toast the Bread:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack in the bottom third of the oven.

   • Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and butter each slice with the reserved melted butter. Toast the bread in the oven for a few minutes until it is golden brown on both sides.

3. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Once the bread is toasted, spread about 1 tablespoon of béchamel sauce on each slice.

   • Add a slice of premium ham and a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the béchamel sauce.

   • Place a second slice of toasted bread on top of the ham and cheese to form the sandwich.

4. Add More Sauce and Cheese:

   • Spread another tablespoon of béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich and sprinkle generously with more shredded Gruyère cheese.

5. Broil the Sandwich:

   • Turn the oven broiler on high.

   • Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Slice them in half and garnish with fresh chives or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

   • Serve warm and enjoy!

Optional Croque Madame Twist

For a Croque Madame, simply fry an egg sunny-side up and place it on top of the finished Croque Monsieur. The runny yolk adds an extra layer of richness and makes the sandwich even more indulgent.

Serving Suggestions for Croque Monsieur

• Side Salad: Serve the Croque Monsieur with a light, crisp salad, such as arugula or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the sandwich.

• Soup: Pair the sandwich with a warm bowl of tomato soup or French onion soup for a comforting, hearty meal.

• Wine Pairing: For an elegant touch, enjoy your Croque Monsieur with a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Chardonnay, or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Nutritional Information

Each Croque Monsieur contains approximately 490 calories, with 45g of carbohydrates, 25g of protein, and 27g of fat. The sandwich is rich in protein and fat, making it a filling meal that provides sustained energy. It also provides a decent amount of calcium (191mg) from the cheese, as well as vitamin A (466 IU) and fiber (2g) from the bread and ham.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Croque Monsieur

The Croque Monsieur is a luxurious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of creamy béchamel sauce, melted cheese, and savory ham, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery bread, it’s a treat for the senses. Whether you enjoy it as a classic Croque Monsieur or indulge in a Croque Madame with a fried egg on top, this sandwich will transport you straight to the heart of France.

Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite ingredients, the Croque Monsieur is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a comforting dinner, this French classic will never go out of style. Give it a try and enjoy a little taste of France at home!