How to Make Croque Monsieur – Classic French Sandwich

Learn how to make Croque Monsieur, the classic French ham and cheese sandwich—perfect for brunch, lunch, holidays, and cozy family meals.

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Why This Sandwich Will Steal Your Heart (And Your Appetite)

Picture this: a rainy Parisian afternoon, a tiny café, and the intoxicating aroma of buttery bread, smoky ham, and bubbling béchamel wafting through the air. That’s the magic of Croque Monsieur—France’s answer to the grilled cheese, but with way more flair.

Whether you’re planning a Mother’s Day brunch, a Cinco de Mayo fiesta with a French twist, or just craving comfort food that feels fancy, this sandwich is your new best friend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings Yield: 4 sandwiches

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

Psst: Scroll down for vegan/GF swaps!

• 8 slices sourdough or brioche bread (stale-ish bread works best!)
• 8 slices Black Forest ham (or smoked turkey for a lighter vibe)
• 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (Emmental works too)
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional but highly recommended)

For the Béchamel:
Béchamel (pronounced bay-sha-mel) is a classic French white sauce made from a simple roux (butter + flour) thickened with milk. It’s creamy, velvety, and the secret to dishes like lasagna, mac and cheese, and—of course—Croque Monsieur!

• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Recipe (No Beret Required)

1. Make the Béchamel Like a Boss

• Melt 2 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden (this is a roux, baby!).
• Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Simmer until thickened (think gravy consistency). Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

2. Assemble Your Sandwich Masterpiece

• Spread Dijon mustard on 4 bread slices.
• Layer each with 2 slices of ham and a sprinkle of Gruyère.
• Top with remaining bread slices.

3. Butter, Grill, and Cheese-ify

• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter the outside of each sandwich.
• Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
• Spread a thin layer of béchamel on top, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and bronzed.

Pro Tips to Avoid Disaster:

• Don’t skip the béchamel—it’s the glue (and glory) of this sandwich.
• Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess.
• Broil closely—cheese burns faster than your last Zoom meeting!

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Mix It Up: Customizations for Every Crowd

• Vegan? Use plant-based butter, vegan cheese, and smoky tempeh “ham.”
• Gluten-Free? Swap in GF bread and use cornstarch instead of flour for the béchamel.
• Cinco de Mayo Twist: Add pickled jalapeños and swap Gruyère for Oaxaca cheese.
• Mother’s Day Upgrade: Top with a fried egg (voilà, it’s a Croque Madame!).

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Serving Suggestions: What to Pair With Your French Fancy

• Brunch: Serve with a mimosa and a simple arugula salad.
• Holiday Parties: Slice into quarters and skewer with cornichons for appetizers.
• Family Reunions: Pair with tomato soup for dunking (trust me, it’s life-changing).

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FAQs: Croque Monsieur 911

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Prep the béchamel and assemble sandwiches 1 day ahead. Grill just before serving!

Q: Why is my béchamel lumpy?
A: Pour the milk slower, whisk faster. If lumps persist, strain it—no one will know.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Sure, but freshly shredded melts better (and tastes less like cardboard).

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Conclusion: Your Turn to French-ify Your Kitchen!

There you have it—the Croque Monsieur, a sandwich that’s equal parts cozy and chic. Whether you’re toasting to Mom, spicing things up for Cinco de Mayo, or feeding a hangry family reunion crew, this recipe’s got your back.Send me a note on Pinterest @ https://www.pinterest.com/wellnesssleuth/—I wanna see your cheesiest, crispiest masterpieces!

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