The croque monsieur is the epitome of French comfort food—a cheesy, crispy, savory sandwich that has been loved for generations. This recipe combines the best elements of the traditional dish with an elevated twist, thanks to an herbed béchamel sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick brunch idea or an elegant dish to impress your guests, this croque monsieur recipe is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

Growing up, ordering a croque monsieur at brunch always felt like such a treat. There’s something magical about the combination of creamy béchamel, melty cheese, and crispy bread. Now, I make it at home whenever I’m craving something cozy yet elevated. My version takes things up a notch with a herbed béchamel sauce, using dried rosemary, thyme, and tarragon to add a fragrant twist to the classic.

Plus, it’s so versatile! You can make it dairy-free with oat milk, use your favorite deli meats, or scale it up to feed a crowd. Ready in less than 20 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this French classic:

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 slices of bread: A good-quality white or sourdough bread works best for crispiness.
  • 2 tbsp butter: For spreading on the bread and creating that golden-brown crust.
  • 4-6 slices deli meat: I used sliced chicken cold cuts, but ham or turkey are great options.
  • ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese: This classic French cheese melts beautifully, but sharp cheddar is a great substitute.

For the Herbed Béchamel Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter: For the base of the roux.
  • 2 tbsp flour: To thicken the sauce.
  • 1 cup milk or dairy-free alternative: I used oat milk for a creamy yet dairy-free version.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
  • ¼ tsp dried rosemary, thyme, and tarragon: These herbs elevate the sauce to gourmet status.
  • Pinch of nutmeg: A classic addition to béchamel for warmth and subtle spice.

Directions

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the dried herbs and nutmeg.
  3. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens, then stir in the Dijon mustard. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Butter one side of each bread slice and place them butter-side down on a baking sheet.
  3. Layer the deli meat, a sprinkle of grated Gruyere, and a drizzle of béchamel sauce on two slices of bread. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

  1. Bake the sandwiches for 12 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure both sides are golden brown.
  2. Remove from the oven and pour more béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining Gruyere cheese.

Step 4: Broil and Serve

  1. Turn your oven to broil and broil the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
  2. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad or a side of fries for the ultimate French bistro experience.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Croque Monsieur

Toast Evenly: Flip the sandwiches halfway through baking for an even, golden-brown crust.

Don’t Skip the Herbs: The rosemary, thyme, and tarragon take the béchamel from good to extraordinary.

Use Fresh Cheese: Grating your own cheese ensures it melts smoothly without any additives. You’d be surprised what’s in those pre-grated cheese bags.

Serve Immediately: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the cheese is still gooey.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Cheese: Emmental or Comté are traditional French options, but sharp cheddar or even mozzarella can work in a pinch.
  • Meat: Swap the chicken for ham, turkey, or even smoked salmon for a twist.
  • Béchamel: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

FAQ

The only difference is the addition of a fried egg on top of the croque madame. The “madame” is thought to refer to the egg, resembling a hat.

A croque monsieur is typically served hot and eaten with a knife and fork, especially if it’s topped with béchamel sauce.

In French, “croque” means “crunch,” and “monsieur” means “mister.” It translates to “mister crunch,” which perfectly describes the crispy texture of this sandwich.

While it’s indulgent, you can make it lighter by using whole-grain bread, turkey slices, and a lower-fat cheese.

Gruyere or Emmental are the best choices for their nutty flavor and meltability, but sharp cheddar also works well.

The sandwich was first mentioned in French literature in 1910 and is believed to have originated in Parisian cafés as a quick, satisfying meal.

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Final Thoughts

The croque monsieur sandwich is a timeless dish that effortlessly combines French elegance with everyday comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy herbed béchamel sauce, melty Gruyere cheese, and golden toasted bread, every bite is a flavor explosion.

Connect With Me

For more easy and elevated recipes, be sure to explore my other posts where I share everyday inspiration for cooking and entertaining. Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!

Bon appétit!

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