Cooking Lucid
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
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.
