Name: Croque Monsieur
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk (warmed); Pinch of nutmeg; Salt and white pepper; 8 slices brioche or white bread; 8 slices ham (about ½ lb); 1½ cups Gruyère cheese (grated); 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp butter (for griddling)

Spoon Simple

Croque Monsieur

The ultimate French ham and cheese sandwich — griddled, topped with béchamel and more cheese, then baked until bubbling and golden. Café comfort food at its finest.

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 35 min

Serves 4

Lunch·French·Easy

Ingredients

Step 1 — Béchamel

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk (warmed)
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and white pepper

Step 2 — Sandwiches

8 slices brioche or white bread
8 slices ham (about ½ lb)
1½ cups Gruyère cheese (grated)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp butter (for griddling)

Instructions

1
Make the béchamel
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2
Assemble sandwiches
Spread mustard on 4 bread slices. Layer ham and half the Gruyère, top with remaining bread. Butter the outsides and griddle in a skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
3
Bake until golden
Transfer sandwiches to a baking sheet. Spread béchamel over each, sprinkle with remaining Gruyère. Broil 2–3 minutes until bubbling and browned. Serve immediately.

Nutrition per serving: 520 cal · 28g protein · 32g carbs · 30g fat · 2g fiber

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.