This Croque Monsieur recipe makes a perfect lunch or dinner: a rich, comforting sandwich layered with béchamel sauce, ham, Gruyère and Parmesan. It’s a hearty, elegant-tasting meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare and one you’ll want to make again and again.
I learned to make Croque Monsieurs in culinary school, and after that I truly appreciated the depth of flavor this sandwich delivers. Before then I’d tasted them, but it wasn’t until I made the recipe myself that I understood how the béchamel, mustard, ham, and cheeses all come together.
Don’t be intimidated by the French name — this is an approachable recipe. With a simple, creamy béchamel and a handful of ingredients, you can have a restaurant-style sandwich at home in no time.
Between the béchamel, melted Gruyère, and smoky ham, this sandwich is rich and satisfying. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at the table and makes a great way to impress guests without complicated steps.
Some other favorite sandwich recipes you might like include Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Mustard Grilled Chicken Sandwiches and French Dip Sliders.
Why this recipe works
- It’s easier to make than it looks.
- You can double it to serve more people.
- Perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Ingredients (full recipe below)
Salted butter
All-purpose flour
Milk
Heavy cream
Dijon mustard
Black pepper
Ground nutmeg
White bread
Smoked deli ham
Gruyère cheese, shredded
Grated Parmesan cheese
How to make a Croque Monsieur
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the béchamel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, then whisk in the heavy cream. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Dijon mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk constantly and cook until the béchamel becomes thick and spreadable — not runny — about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Arrange the bread slices on the prepared sheet tray and toast in the oven for 2 minutes. Flip and toast the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
- Spread about half of the béchamel over four slices of the toasted bread.
- Top each with sliced ham, then spread Dijon mustard over the ham. Add half of the shredded Gruyère and half of the grated Parmesan to each.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- Spread the remaining béchamel over the tops of the sandwiches, then sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère and Parmesan.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Switch the oven to broil and broil on high until the cheese is golden and bubbly to your liking. Serve immediately.
What to serve with this sandwich
The Croque Monsieur is rich, so lighter sides work best: a simple green salad, a light potato salad, or coleslaw balance the sandwich nicely. That said, it’s also substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own.
Can I use different ham?
Smoked deli ham pairs well with the cheeses and béchamel, but maple ham, honey ham, or tavern ham are good alternatives if you prefer their flavor profiles.
Can I use another bread?
Traditional white sandwich bread keeps the sandwich balanced. If you want to use brioche, sourdough, or whole wheat, slice it thinner so the sandwich doesn’t become too large or heavy.
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread may soften slightly. Reheat in the oven on a baking sheet until warmed through — avoid the microwave to preserve texture. Freezing is not recommended.
Tips and tricks
- The béchamel can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Try different breads, but keep slices thinner if using sturdier loaves.
- Because the sandwich is rich, pair it with a light side salad when serving.
- Easily double the recipe to feed more people.
- If you prefer, omit the nutmeg from the béchamel.
If you enjoy layered sandwiches with creamy sauce and melty cheese, this Croque Monsieur is a must-try. It’s flavorful, comforting, and simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests.
If you like this recipe you might also like:
- Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
- Muffuletta
If you try this Croque Monsieur, leave a comment to share how it turned out. Enjoy!
