If you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal that combines simple ingredients with incredible flavors, look no further than a classic Croque Monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce. This French sandwich is a delightful treat, perfect for lunch or dinner. With layers of gooey cheese, savory ham, and a rich, velvety béchamel sauce, every bite is sure to satisfy.
Here’s a detailed guide to preparing this irresistible dish.
For 2 People
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Croque Monsieur:
- 4 slices of sandwich bread (preferably thick-cut)
- 2 slices of white ham (choose a quality ham for the best taste)
- 100g of grated Gruyère cheese (Gruyère is a traditional French cheese that melts beautifully)
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 25g of butter
- 25g of flour (all-purpose)
- 50cl (500ml) of milk (whole milk is recommended for richness)
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg (to taste)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- Step 1: Begin by preparing the béchamel sauce, the creamy base that brings the Croque Monsieur to life. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and become slightly foamy.
- Step 2: Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly with a whisk to create a smooth roux. The roux will initially thicken and form a paste-like consistency. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour without letting it brown.
- Step 3: Next, bring the milk to a boil in a separate pot or microwave-safe container. Once the milk is boiling, it’s time to combine it with the roux.
- Step 4: Slowly pour half of the boiling milk into the roux, whisking vigorously as you go. This helps avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Step 5: Gradually add the rest of the milk while continuing to whisk the sauce. The sauce should now be smooth, creamy, and thickened.
- Step 6: Season the béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a mild, aromatic flavor. Continue to stir and cook the sauce on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken further. You should have a rich, velvety sauce at the end.
2. Assemble the Croque Monsieur:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and set it to bake.
- Step 2: While the oven heats up, it’s time to assemble the Croque Monsieur. Start with the bread slices. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on two slices of bread.
- Step 3: Add a slice of ham on top of each bread slice, followed by a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese. Then, spoon a little more béchamel sauce over the cheese for extra richness.
- Step 4: Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, pressing them down lightly to secure the sandwich.
- Step 5: To give the sandwich its signature golden and cheesy topping, spread more béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle additional grated Gruyère on top.
3. Baking:
- Step 1: Place the prepared Croque Monsieur sandwiches on a baking sheet or a shallow oven-safe dish. Bake them in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Step 2: If you like your Croque Monsieur extra crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Once out of the oven, let the Croque Monsieur sit for a minute or two before cutting into it. This brief resting period helps to set the béchamel sauce and prevents any of the hot sauce from spilling out when you slice.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your Croque Monsieur with a refreshing side of mixed greens or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The lightness of the salad pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy sandwich, creating a balanced meal.
Optional Garnishes:
- You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top of the sandwich for a burst of color and freshness.
- For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a bit of Dijon mustard on the inside of the bread before assembling.
Why is the Croque Monsieur so special?
The Croque Monsieur is more than just a sandwich; it’s a French culinary classic. The combination of the crispy bread, savory ham, melty Gruyère cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s comfort food at its finest, with every bite offering a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.
Variations of the Croque Monsieur:
- Croque Madame:
- If you want to take your Croque Monsieur to the next level, add a fried or poached egg on top. This transforms the sandwich into a Croque Madame, a French breakfast or brunch favorite.
- Vegetarian Croque Monsieur:
- For a meatless version, replace the ham with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can even add a layer of spinach or fresh arugula for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
- Different Cheeses:
- While Gruyère is the traditional cheese used in Croque Monsieur, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Emmental, cheddar, or Comté for a unique flavor twist.
- Smoked Salmon Croque Monsieur:
- For a more sophisticated take, swap out the ham for thin slices of smoked salmon. The smoky, salty fish pairs wonderfully with the creamy béchamel sauce and melted cheese.
Tips for a Perfect Croque Monsieur:
- Use Thick-Cut Bread:
- For a perfect Croque Monsieur, opt for thick-cut bread. The texture of the bread should be hearty enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
- Let the Béchamel Cool Slightly:
- When assembling the sandwich, allow the béchamel sauce to cool slightly before spreading it on the bread. This prevents it from soaking into the bread and making the sandwich too soft.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese:
- Gruyère cheese is essential for the signature melty, gooey texture of the Croque Monsieur. Use a generous amount, and make sure to sprinkle some on top for a crispy, golden finish.
- Customize Your Sauce:
- For added depth, you can infuse the béchamel sauce with garlic, onion powder, or even a dash of white wine. These small touches can elevate the flavor and make your Croque Monsieur truly unique.
Conclusion:
The Croque Monsieur with béchamel sauce is a French classic that’s sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your hunger. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a bowl of soup. With this simple and delicious recipe, you can bring a taste of France to your kitchen in no time. So go ahead, treat yourself to this indulgent yet easy-to-make sandwich — you won’t regret it!
