Crispy, cheesy, and unapologetically rich — a Parisian café classic you can make at home.
The Croque Monsieur is the kind of sandwich that makes all other sandwiches feel underdressed. Picture this: layers of buttery toasted bread, savory ham, and melty Gruyère cheese, all topped with a luscious béchamel sauce, then baked or pan-fried until golden and bubbling.
It’s elegant, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying — whether served for brunch, lunch, or a decadent dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Croque Monsieur
- Simple ingredients, gourmet flavor
- Ultra-crispy top and oozy melted center
- A perfect taste of French café culture
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easily upgraded to Croque Madame with a fried egg on top!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 4 slices of thick white bread (like brioche or pain de mie)
- 4 slices quality ham (Parisian, Black Forest, or similar)
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened for spreading)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole milk
- Pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste