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Easy Croque Monsieur Recipe

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This Easy Croque Monsieur recipe offers a classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich topped with creamy béchamel sauce and baked to golden perfection. Combining melty gruyère cheese, savory ham, and a smooth nutmeg-spiced béchamel sauce, it’s a comforting and indulgent meal ideal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Béchamel Sauce

  • 2 cups milk (500 ml)
  • 3 tbsp butter (40 g)
  • 1/3 cup flour (40 g)
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sandwich

  • 8 sandwich bread slices
  • 4 ham slices
  • 2 1/2 cups grated cheese (200 g – Gruyère, Emmental, or Comté cheese)
  • 4 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux without browning.
  2. Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth sauce.
  3. Cook the sauce: Let the mixture cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
  4. Cover and set aside: Cover the béchamel sauce with plastic wrap pressed directly on its surface to prevent a skin from forming, then set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 410°F (210°C) if using convection, or 425–445°F (220–230°C) for a regular oven.
  6. Toast the bread: Lightly toast the bread slices in a toaster until just golden.
  7. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of the toasted bread. Add a small amount of béchamel sauce, a slice of ham, and a sprinkling of grated cheese.
  8. Close and top: Cover with another slice of toasted bread. Spread the remaining béchamel sauce over the top and generously sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  9. Bake the croques: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden and gratinéed.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, ideally accompanied by a fresh green salad.

Notes

  • Using a combination of Gruyère, Emmental, and Comté cheeses enhances flavor complexity.
  • Covering the béchamel with plastic wrap prevents an unappetizing skin from forming.
  • Dijon mustard is optional but adds a pleasant sharpness contrasting the creamy béchamel.
  • For a crispier top, place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Leftover croque monsieur can be reheated in a toaster oven for best results.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/easy-croque-monsieur-recipe/