How to Make Croque Monsieur - the Best Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Gruyère cheese

🥗Healthier: Emmental cheese

💰Cheaper: Cheddar cheese

Emmental is lower in fat, while Cheddar is more widely available.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often cheaper.

Preheat the oven to 425F (215C).

Start by making the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. As soon as it melts, add the flour and whisk continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add the milk just a bit at the time while whisking continuously, until smooth. Cook for a couple of more minutes or until it reaches the desired thickness. Add a bit more milk if needed. Season with mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Whisk and keep warm.

Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on all four slices, all the way to the edges. Sprinkle all four with a tablespoon of shredded gruyere cheese.

Top two of the slices with one or two slices of ham each. Close the two sandwiches with the slice of bread (béchamel/cheese inside the sandwich).

Spread more of the béchamel sauce on top of the sandwiches and top with more cheese.

Bake on the upper part of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and top is golden and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens