THE croque-monsieur This is one of those French culinary creations that has transcended generations without ever losing its charm. Simple, quick, and generous, it has found its place in Parisian cafés as well as in our family kitchens. This hot sandwich, born at the beginning of the 20th century, has become a staple of impromptu yet delicious meals. Its magic lies in its perfect balance: golden and crispy bread, a smooth béchamel sauce, melting ham, and a touch of gratinéed cheese that creates that irresistible texture the moment you bite into it.
This dish is a perfect example of French comfort food: it's reassuring, warming, and can be prepared in minutes with simple ingredients that are often on hand. It can be adapted endlessly—with mustard, an egg to make it a croque-madame, or spinach for a more vegetarian version—but the traditional recipe remains a sure bet, authentic and delicious.
Whether you want to treat your family, improvise a quick meal or rediscover the taste of Parisian brasseries, this homemade croque-monsieur will quickly become your go-to.
Ingredients (for 2 croque-monsieur)
For the croque monsieur
- 4 slices of white bread
- 2 slices of cooked ham
- 80g of grated Emmental cheese
- A little butter for the bread
For the béchamel
- 20g of butter
- 20 g of flour
- 200 ml of milk
- Salt, pepper
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the bechamel
In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until you have a thick and smooth béchamel sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.Assemble the croque-monsieur
Place the slices of bread on top and spread them with a thin layer of béchamel sauce.
Add the ham, then some grated cheese.
Cover with the second slice of bread and top with another layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle generously with cheese.Cooking
Preheat your oven to 200°C.
Place the croque-monsieur sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, until they are perfectly browned and gratin.Enjoy
Serve hot, accompanied by a small crunchy salad.
For an even more melt-in-your-mouth croque-monsieur, add a teaspoon of crème fraîche to the béchamel sauce or spread a thin layer of mustard between the bread and the ham. The result: even more character and tenderness.
Table of Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA — estimate per serving)
| Element | Quantity | Approximate % AJR |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~430 kcal | 21% |
| Proteins | ~25 g | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | ~35 g | 13% |
| Lipids | ~22 g | 32% |
| Calcium | ~350 mg | 35% |
| Sodium | ~850 mg | 35% |
