Croque Monsieur

Crispy, cheesy and grilled to perfection! Level up your lunchtime with this classic french Croque Monsieur.

About this recipe:

You have to make this classic french delight. Consisting of two slices of crusty white bread, filled with rich, melted Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced ham and layers of Béchamel sauce, this sandwich will make you savour every last bite.

A warm, gooey, crispy masterpiece that’s rich in flavor and absolutely satisfying. Don’t just settle for a simple grilled cheese sandwich, indulge in this rich and decedent recipe.

Ingredients

• Thick slices of white bread
• Smoked ham slices
• Dijon mustard
• Gruyère cheese
• Flour
• Milk
• Butter
• Garlic
• Bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

See recipe card for quantities.

Step by step photographs

Follow along with these step by step photographs. You'll see just how easy it is to whip up and construct.

1. Step 1: In a pan, heat your milk with bay leaves and slightly crushed garlic and allow to infuse (not photographed). In a separate pan, melt your butter and add flour.

2. Step 2: Whisk together on a low heat until the rawness of the flour is cooked out and the mixture has a biscuity smell.

Variations of Croque Monsieur:

• Croque Madame: This is the most well-known variation of the Croque Monsieur. Construct your sandwich as the instructions above lay out, but top with a fried or poached egg. The addition of the egg makes it a bit more indulgent, adding richness and extra textures.
• Gruyère cheese: if you are raiding your fridge to find the perfect cheese and don’t gave Gruyère to hand, don’t worry! Here are some perfect substitutions: Emmental - This Swiss cheese is one of the most common substitutes for Gruyère. It’s mild, slightly nutty and perfectly meltable, making it an ideal replacement. Comté - Comté has a flavor and texture very similar to Gruyère, with a slightly nutty and fruity taste. It's a great substitute if you want to stick to a French-style cheese. Cheddar - While it’s not quite as nutty as Gruyère, it will still melt well and add a different depth of flavor to your sandwich.

Storage

If you've made extra sandwiches or have leftovers, here's how to store them:

• Let it Cool: Allow the sandwich to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap or Place in an Airtight Container: Wrap the Croque Monsieur tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
• Refrigerate: Store the wrapped sandwich in the refrigerator. It should keep for about 1 to 2 days.

Reheating Croque Monsieur:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover Croque Monsieur, reheating it properly is key to maintaining its texture and flavor:

• Reheat in the Oven: The best way to reheat your sandwich is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). If the sandwich is already assembled and chilled, wrap it loosely in foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through. For a crispier crust, you can open the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.
• Air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the sandwich for 3-5 minutes if it's from the fridge, or 6-8 minutes if it's frozen. Check halfway through to ensure it's heating evenly and the bread gets crispy. You may want to flip the sandwich at the halfway point to ensure even crisping.