Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Step-by-step preparation of the Croque Monsieur Sandwich
Make the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter, add the flour and stir with a whisk until a paste forms. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until you achieve a thick and creamy sauce. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
Prepare the bread: Place the slices on a baking tray. Brush lightly with butter so they become crispy when baked.
To assemble the sandwich: On two slices of bread, spread a layer of béchamel sauce, then add cooked ham and a portion of grated cheese. Cover with the other two slices of bread.
Cover and gratinate: spread another layer of béchamel sauce on top and sprinkle with plenty of grated cheese.
Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for a perfect croque monsieur sandwich:
Use bread
thick or sliced loaf bread, as it better withstands the humidity of the
Gruyère cheese is the most traditional, but a mixture with Emmental or Comté enhances the flavor.
For a juicier finish, add a thin layer of Dijon mustard between the ham and the bread.
Variations of the
Croque madame recipe: the most famous version, which adds a fried egg on top.
Provençal croque: with slices of fresh tomato in the filling.
Vegetarian: replace the ham with sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
Gourmet croque: add a touch of grated truffle to the béchamel sauce for a sophisticated flavor.
