The croque monsieur originated in France and quickly became a popular dish. It is not hard to see why! Made with simple ingredients, it is not overwhelming. In other words, you do not need to be an expert chef to make it. Some people think the sandwich is a grilled ham and cheese. Sure, it has ham and cheese and is toasted or grilled. But the similarities stop there. Follow this recipe for the best Croque Monsieur.
What is a Croque Monsieur?
This classic sandwich has enough flavors to make it appealing. The croque monsieur is composed of sliced ham, mustard, and cheese. A creamy béchamel sauce tops the sandwich.
The sandwich originates from the Picardy region in northern France. French chefs put it on their menus in Paris. It soon became a popular item at many bistros. It was dubbed Croque Monsieur, which translates to the “crunch mister” in English.
One of My Favorite Sandwiches
Something about a croque monsieur puts an instant smile on your face. I should know. I have eaten my fair share.
Ham and mustard go well together. And when you add a creamy sauce and melted cheese, it is the perfect dish. When I make this dish for my family, they always ask for seconds. They like how delicious it tastes. I like how simple it is to make!
You might not have heard of these before. Fear not! It is easy to make and guaranteed to impress the entire family. Follow my easy recipe below for the Classic Croque Monsieur.
Ingredients for the Best Croque Monsieur
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
For the Sandwich:
- 1 tbsp. oil
- 4-slices ham
- 4-slices of white bread
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 4 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 4-ozSwiss cheese
- 2 oz. grated Gruyere cheese
- Salt
- Pepper Sauce
How to Make a Bechamel Sauce
- Prepare a roux by melting butter over medium heat.
- Add flour to the butter and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking.
- As the mixture thickens, continue whisking for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Add salt and pepper as desired.
How to Make the Sandwich
- Set your oven to broil.
- Add oil and butter to a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Warm the ham slices for 3-5 minutes per side or until browned and the edges crisp.
- Remove the ham and set it aside.
- Spread butter on one side of the bread.
- Place the bread, butter-side down, in the skillet and toast until golden brown.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the bread.
- Top with 2 tablespoons of béchamel sauce.
- Add Swiss cheese and the ham.
- Pour more béchamel sauce over the ham and sprinkle grated gruyere cheese on top.
- Broil for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese and sauce are bubbly.
Tips for Making the Best Croque Monsieur
Turn a good croque monsieur into something better. Follow these simple tips to help you out.
Select the Best Bread:
The key to a great Croque Monsieur is to start with good bread. Look for quality white or wheat sandwich bread.
Toast the Bread:
Add the cheese, ham, and other ingredients to the toasted bread. Toasting will help ensure your sandwich does not get soggy.
Use Quality Cheese:
Avoid pre-sliced cheese. Choose a cheese that is creamy and delicious. Gruyere and Emmental are two of the best cheeses for croque monsieur.
Choose the Best Ham:
The quality of the ham is essential. Select a flavorful cut.
Broil it to Perfection:
Once you assemble the sandwich, broil it in the oven. The cheese will melt and be golden brown.
Time-Saving Products:
Try store-bought béchamel. It comes jarred or as a powder mix. It is a quick idea to save time.
With these tips, you can make the perfect Croque Monsieur sandwich every time.
Variations on the Classic
Are you in the mood for something lighter or want to try something new altogether? These alternative sandwiches are a unique twist to the classic.
Different Cheeses:
Try different cheeses. Sharp cheddar or Monterrey Jack are good selections.
Croque Monsieur Vegetarian:
For a vegetarian-friendly twist, add roasted vegetables. Red peppers, eggplant, and zucchini all make for delicious additions.
Open-Faced or Not:
A croque monsieur does not have to be served open-faced. Add an extra slice of bread before covering it with béchamel.
Leeks and Onions:
Are you feeling daring? Get creative and layer caramelized onions or leeks on your sandwich.
Smoked Salmon:
Do you want a seafood twist to your sandwich? Smoked salmon is a perfect choice. The unique flavor makes a tasty sandwich.
Prosciutto:
For a savory take on the croque monsieur, try adding prosciutto. This Italian ham adds a salty and smoky flavor. Prosciutto pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and crunchy bread.
Add Vegetables:
Want vegetables in your sandwich? Spinach is a great option. Not only does it add a nice flavor, but it also makes it more filling.
Croque Madame:
Want to add a unique twist to your croque monsieur? Turn this sandwich into a croque madame by adding a fried egg.
Spice it up:
Do you want something spicy? Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning to the bechamel sauce.
These are just a few of my favorite options. The possibilities are endless. Next time you are in the mood, why not try something new? Give one of these selections a try. You will not be disappointed.
What to Serve with a Croque Monsieur
Many side dishes go well with this sandwich. Sure, plain potato chips would be fine, but try one of these instead.
- Easy French Onion Soup
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Green salad with a light vinaigrette
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2 comments
Stunning story there.
Thank you for commenting. I try to present my recipes in an enjoyable way. The tips and alternative ideas lay out a roadmap to creating delicious dishes. Come back often for new recipes and stories. If you sign up, I can send you updates when they post.
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