Croque Monsieur Recipe: The Ultimate French Ham & Cheese Delight

Discover the rich flavors of France with this classic Croque Monsieur recipe — a crispy, cheesy, and savory sandwich made with layers of high-quality ham, melty gruyere and parmesan, and a creamy homemade béchamel sauce. Toasted to perfection in the oven, it’s the quintessential Parisian comfort food.

Pair it with a crisp green salad and a warm bowl of French onion soup to recreate a café-style meal right in your own kitchen.

What is a Croque Monsieur?

Croque Monsieur is a traditional French toasted ham and cheese sandwich that has graced bistros and cafés across France for over a century. The name roughly translates to “Mister Crunch” — a nod to its satisfying golden crunch when baked or broiled.

Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish offers timeless appeal with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups whole milk

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ tsp Dijon mustard

• A pinch of ground nutmeg

For the Sandwiches:

• 8 slices white sandwich bread

• 5 oz high-quality ham (about 8 thin slices)

• 6 oz grated Gruyere cheese (or Emmental) – about 2½ cups

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for around 3 minutes until it forms a smooth roux.

3. Gradually add milk, whisking thoroughly to prevent lumps.

4. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens.

5. Season with salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and a hint of nutmeg.

6. Remove from heat and let it cool. (You can refrigerate it for up to a week if prepping ahead.)

Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Spread a thin layer of béchamel on each slice of bread, covering all edges.

3. On 4 slices, layer ham, a handful of grated Gruyere, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

4. Top each with another béchamel-spread slice (béchamel facing up).

5. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere and Parmesan over the top slices.

Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 5–6 minutes until the cheese melts and bread turns crisp.

• Switch to broil mode for an additional 2–4 minutes until golden-brown and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Croque Monsieur

• Use high-quality cheese and ham: The flavor heavily depends on ingredient quality. Gruyere or Emmental are traditional cheeses used in France.

• Make béchamel ahead of time: Store it with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

• Don’t skip broiling: That final broil step gives the sandwich its signature crunch and color.

Want a Croque Madame Instead?

The only difference between Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame is the addition of a fried egg on top. To transform this recipe into a Croque Madame:

• Simply fry eggs sunny-side up in a skillet while the sandwiches are baking.

• Top each sandwich with a fried egg before serving.

Fun fact: “Croque” means “crunch,” “Monsieur” means “mister,” and “Madame” means “missus” in French — hence the names!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, you can try sourdough, brioche, or country-style French bread for a rustic twist.

What if I don’t have Gruyere?

Try Swiss cheese, Mozzarella, or white cheddar as alternatives.

Can I freeze Croque Monsieur?

Yes! Assemble them without baking, wrap individually, freeze for up to 1 month, then bake from frozen at 375°F until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Croque Monsieur is more than just a sandwich — it’s an experience. With just a few quality ingredients and a little French flair, you can bring a taste of Paris to your table. Whether you’re serving brunch to guests or enjoying a quiet meal on a Sunday afternoon, this recipe never disappoints.