Classic Croque Monsieur Recipe: A Decadent French Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Each bite pairs a crisp exterior with molten cheese and silky béchamel sauce.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Each bite pairs a crisp exterior with molten cheese and silky béchamel sauce.

Introduction to the Croque Monsieur

The Croque Monsieur is more than a sandwich: it’s a French bistro classic, celebrated for its indulgent layers of ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. Originally served in Parisian cafés, this dish perfectly balances salty, creamy, and crisp flavors, making it a beloved comfort food in France and beyond.

What is a Croque Monsieur?

A Croque Monsieur is a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, elevated with a blanket of creamy béchamel and extra melted cheese. The name literally means “crunchy mister,” referring to the crispy exterior achieved by toasting or grilling. It’s distinguished from its cousin, the Croque Madame, by the absence of a fried or poached egg on top.

Classic Croque Monsieur Recipe

Ingredients

For the béchamel sauce: 4 Tbsp. salted butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm milk, 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper, pinch of ground nutmeg.
For the sandwiches: 6 Tbsp. salted butter (room temperature), 12 slices hearty white sandwich bread, 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, 3/4 lb. baked ham (at least 12 slices), 1 lb. Gruyère cheese (shredded and divided), 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives (optional).

Step-by-Step Directions

Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Do not allow it to brown.
Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, whisking constantly, until the raw flour smell disappears (1–2 minutes).
Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to a pudding-like consistency (4–5 minutes).
Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin), and set aside.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 6 slices, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
Spread about 1 tsp. Dijon mustard on each slice. Top each with 2 folded ham slices, then about ½ cup (2 oz.) Gruyère.
Spread 1 Tbsp. béchamel on the unbuttered side of the remaining slices and place them, béchamel side down, on top of the ham and cheese.
Butter the tops of the assembled sandwiches. Bake for 6–8 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Spread the tops generously with béchamel, sprinkle with remaining Gruyère, and continue baking until golden and bubbly (8–10 minutes).
Sprinkle with chives and freshly ground pepper before serving, if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Bread choice: Hefty white sandwich bread or genuine French bread works best for structure and flavor.
Cheese swaps: Gruyère is traditional, but Emmental or Swiss can be used for a milder taste.
Béchamel shortcuts: Make the sauce in advance and reheat gently; add a pinch of Dijon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Presentation: For restaurant-worthy results, broil briefly at the end for extra browning.

What is Béchamel Sauce?

Béchamel is a classic French white sauce, made by whisking a roux (butter and flour) into hot milk. It serves as the luscious binder and topping for the Croque Monsieur, enriching the sandwich with a creamy, velvety texture. A hint of nutmeg adds a subtle complexity, while salt and pepper season it perfectly for the sandwich.

Croque Monsieur vs. Croque Madame

Feature	Croque Monsieur	Croque Madame
Main Ingredients	Ham, Gruyère, béchamel, bread	Ham, Gruyère, béchamel, bread, fried or poached egg
Origin	French bistro classic	Variation of Croque Monsieur
Texture	Crispy, cheesy, creamy	Crispy, cheesy, creamy, with runny yolk
Serving Style	Lunch, brunch, café fare	Brunch, hearty meal

History and Popularity

The Croque Monsieur first appeared on Parisian café menus in the early 20th century. Its simplicity, combined with luxurious ingredients, made it an instant favorite. Today, it remains a staple in French brasseries and is enjoyed worldwide as a symbol of effortless French culinary elegance and comfort.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian: Substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and thicken the béchamel with gluten-free flour.
Extra indulgence: Add a fried egg on top for a Croque Madame.
Herbs: Sprinkle Herbes de Provence or fresh chives for a fragrant finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad and cornichons for contrast.
Serve with a bowl of French onion soup for a classic Parisian meal.
Accompany with a dry white wine or sparkling water for authenticity.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients: The best ham and aged Gruyère make a noticeable difference.
Don’t skip the béchamel: It’s the key to the sandwich’s creamy richness.
Toast the bread: Lightly toasting ensures the sandwich holds its structure.
Broil for finish: A quick broil gives the cheese a beautiful, golden crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between a Croque Monsieur and a grilled cheese?

A: A Croque Monsieur is a French-style ham and cheese sandwich, distinguished by its use of Gruyère, béchamel sauce, and a baking/broiling method that melds flavors and creates a crispy, cheesy crust. Grilled cheese is typically simpler, with American cheese and buttered bread, grilled until the cheese melts.

Q: Can I make a Croque Monsieur ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the sandwiches and béchamel separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for best texture. The béchamel can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Q: What should I serve with Croque Monsieur?

A: A green salad, cornichons, or French fries are classic accompaniments. For a full meal, add French onion soup or a glass of white wine.

Q: Can I freeze Croque Monsieur?

A: Freezing is not recommended for assembled sandwiches, as the béchamel may break upon reheating. Freeze components separately instead.

Q: What’s the best bread for Croque Monsieur?

A: Thick-cut white sandwich bread, brioche, or French bread all work well, providing structure and soaking up the sauce without becoming soggy.

Conclusion

The Croque Monsieur is a masterpiece of simple ingredients elevated by technique and tradition. Whether enjoyed in a Parisian café or your own kitchen, this sandwich delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite. Mastering the béchamel, choosing quality ham and Gruyère, and baking until golden ensures a Croque Monsieur worthy of French acclaim. Experiment with variations, but always savor the classic: crisp bread, gooey cheese, rich béchamel, and savory ham—a symphony of French flavors.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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