How to Make the BEST Croque Monsieur!

gruyere cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: emmental cheese

Emmental is often less expensive and still melts well.

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: bologna

Bologna is a budget-friendly alternative to ham.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Margarine can be a less expensive substitute for butter.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Water with cornstarch can mimic the creaminess of milk.

Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 3 minutes.

Gradually add 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.

Season the béchamel sauce with salt, black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a dash of nutmeg, then set aside.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread the béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread, placing four slices on the prepared baking sheet, béchamel side up.

Top each slice of bread with 2 slices of ham and half of the Gruyère cheese, then sprinkle with 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese.

Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, béchamel side up, and top with the remaining Gruyère cheese and another 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese.

Sprinkle the tops with black pepper and bake for 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven, turn on the broiler to 500°F (260°C), and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens