Classic Croque Monsieur: The Quintessential French Ham and Cheese Sandwich

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Ingredients for Classic Croque Monsieur

This recipe serves 4 people (makes 4 sandwiches).

For the Sandwich:

  • 8 slices thick-cut bread (preferably brioche, sourdough, or pain de mie)

  • 8 thin slices high-quality ham (Parisian ham, Black Forest, or similar)

  • 1 ½ cups (150g) Gruyère cheese, grated (or Emmental, Comté, or a mix)

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for spreading on bread)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk, warmed

  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds a French kick)

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg, freshly grated (classic French flavoring)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

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