How to Make Croque Monsieur: The Ultimate French Ham and Cheese Toastie

 

--- published by foodie Parmod.

The Croque Monsieur is France’s answer to the humble ham and cheese toastie – but with a rich, luxurious twist. With golden grilled bread, layers of ham and cheese, and a bubbling béchamel sauce topping, this classic French café staple is the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and comforting.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make an authentic Croque Monsieur using British English, ideal for brunch, lunch, or a cosy supper. It’s quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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🥪 What Is a Croque Monsieur?

“Croque” means “crunch” and “Monsieur” translates to “mister.” Together, they describe this indulgent, crunchy sandwich that’s been a favourite in French bistros since the early 1900s.

At its core, a Croque Monsieur is made with:

White bread

Ham (typically Paris ham or cooked ham)

Cheese (usually Gruyère or Emmental)

Béchamel sauce (a creamy white sauce)

It’s grilled or baked until crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle, then topped with more cheese or sauce and browned to perfection.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2)

For the béchamel sauce:

20g unsalted butter

20g plain flour

200ml whole milk

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the sandwiches:

4 slices of white bread (preferably thick-cut or pain de mie)

2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)

2 slices of cooked ham

100g Gruyère or Emmental cheese, grated

1 tbsp butter (for frying, optional)

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Croque Monsieur – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a smooth roux, and cook for 1–2 minutes without browning.

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lightly toast the bread if you prefer extra crunch. Spread Dijon mustard on two slices. Top each with a slice of ham and a generous handful of grated cheese. Place the remaining bread on top to form sandwiches.

Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with more grated cheese.

Step 3: Grill or Bake

Option 1 – In the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly.

Option 2 – In a Frying Pan:

Melt a little butter in a pan over medium heat. Gently fry the sandwiches (without the béchamel topping) until golden on both sides. Then place on a baking tray, top with béchamel and cheese, and grill under a hot grill for 3–5 minutes.

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🍳 Optional Variation: Croque Madame

To make a Croque Madame, simply add a fried or poached egg on top of the finished sandwich. It’s the perfect brunch twist!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Croque Monsieur is delicious on its own, but even better with:

A light green salad with vinaigrette

Cornichons or pickled onions

French fries or roasted potatoes

A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling cider

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💡 Recipe Tips

Use good quality bread – Pain de mie or farmhouse white works best.

Gruyère is traditional, but Emmental or Comté are excellent alternatives.

Don’t skip the béchamel – It takes the sandwich from good to exceptional.

You can prep ahead – Assemble, chill, and bake just before serving.

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📝 Final Thoughts

The Croque Monsieur is a timeless French classic – simple to make, but bursting with indulgent flavours. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving something warm and comforting, this elegant sandwich offers a little taste of Paris in your own kitchen.

Why settle for an ordinary toastie when you can have a Croque Monsieur?

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--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

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