Croque Monsieur (Ham and Cheese Toasted Sandwich)

The Parisian café classic of ham and Gruyère between buttery toasted bread, topped with béchamel and grilled until golden.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 30 minutes
Vegetarian
❌
Nuts
❌
Serves
2 people
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

  • 4 slices white sandwich bread (or pain de mie)
  • 20g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 slices good-quality cooked ham
  • 120g Gruyère, grated, divided
  • For the béchamel: 20g unsalted butter
  • For the béchamel: 20g plain flour
  • For the béchamel: 250ml whole milk, warmed
  • For the béchamel: pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • For the béchamel: salt and white pepper to taste

Method

  1. For the béchamel, melt the butter in a small pan, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring, until thick and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt and white pepper, and stir in 30g of the Gruyère.

  2. Heat the grill to medium-high. Toast the bread lightly on both sides, then spread one side of each slice with the softened butter.

  3. Spread the mustard over two slices. Layer each with half the ham and 50g of the Gruyère, then top with the other slices, butter-side down.

  4. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray and spoon the béchamel over the tops, spreading it to the edges. Scatter over the remaining cheese.

  5. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling and golden brown. Rest for 1 minute before serving with a green salad.