A French Bistro Classic
Introduction
The Croque Monsieur is a legendary French bistro sandwich that combines crispy, buttery brioche bread, layers of ham, and a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. Originating in Parisian cafés in the early 20th century, this indulgent dish is the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures, making it a must-try for sandwich lovers.
Ingredients
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2.5 tbsp butter
- 2.5 tbsp flour
- 1 1/3 cup warmed milk
- 2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- For the Sandwich:
- 8 oz shredded Gruyère cheese
- 4 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 slices thick brioche bread
- 8 slices ham
Instructions
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk, letting the sauce thicken (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the white pepper, nutmeg, chives, Dijon mustard, and salt to taste. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread béchamel sauce on all 8 slices of brioche bread.
- On 4 slices, layer 2 slices of ham and some shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, placing them béchamel-side up.
- Bake the Croque Monsieur:
- Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère and Parmesan cheese over the top of the sandwiches.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve Immediately:
- Garnish with extra chives and enjoy warm!
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Bread: Brioche or a thick country bread works best.
- Don’t Rush the Béchamel: Cooking it slowly ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Broil for the Perfect Finish: The final broil step gives the sandwich its signature crispy, cheesy top.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of crisp, buttery bread, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese creates a luxurious texture, while the savory ham adds depth to the flavor. It’s a French classic that brings café-style indulgence straight to your kitchen.
