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Croque monsieur (French ham‑and‑cheese sandwich with béchamel)

Irresistible Croque Monsieur: The 25-Minute French Masterpiece


  • Author: Emma Fleming
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 slices of bread (preferably brioche or white bread)
  • 2 slices of ham
  • 2 slices of Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • For the béchamel sauce:
    • 1 tbsp butter
    • 1 tbsp flour
    • 1/2 cup milk
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until thickened, then set aside.
  2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
  3. Layer one slice (buttered side down) with ham and cheese, then top with the second slice (buttered side up).
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich until golden on both sides.
  5. Spread béchamel sauce on top of the sandwich. Broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor.
  • If you don’t have Gruyère, Emmental or Swiss cheese works well.
  • For extra richness, sprinkle grated cheese over the béchamel before broiling.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Croque monsieur French sandwich ham cheese béchamel