Introduction:
Indulge in the ultimate French comfort food with our Ultimate Croque Monsieur Recipe. This timeless bistro classic combines golden toasted bread, savory ham, melted Gruyère cheese, and a rich béchamel sauce for a decadent experience. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this recipe elevates the traditional grilled cheese to a luxurious masterpiece. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that will impress any crowd.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices white or brioche bread
- 4 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy twist)
- 8 slices deli ham (smoked or Parisian preferred)
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbtb all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add warm milk, whisking until thickened (3–5 minutes). Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in Parmesan if using. Set aside. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lightly toast bread slices. Spread Dijon mustard on 4 slices (optional). Layer with ham and Gruyère. Top with remaining bread. - Toast the Sandwiches:
Melt butter in a skillet. Grill sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. - Top and Broil:
Preheat broiler. Spoon béchamel over sandwiches, sprinkle with Gruyère, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Serve:
Cool for a minute, sprinkle with pepper and parsley (optional). Serve hot with a green salad and white wine for an elegant touch.
Conclusion:
The Ultimate Croque Monsieur transforms a simple sandwich into a luxurious experience. With its creamy béchamel, crispy toast, and gooey cheese, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for any meal, this recipe is sure to delight and impress. Enjoy!
