FRENCHIE'S CROQUE MONSIEUR
A classic French café sandwich inspired by the charming harbor town of Cassis, France. Layers of savory ham and nutty Gruyère cheese are tucked between buttery toasted bread, then finished with a creamy béchamel sauce and bubbling golden cheese. Simple, comforting, and unmistakably French.
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches
- 8 slices sturdy country-style white bread
- 8 slices Black Forest ham or Paris ham
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese sliced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ? teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg optional
For the Topping
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Make the Béchamel
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of four slices.
- Layer ham and sliced Gruyère cheese over the mustard.
- Top with the remaining bread, buttered side facing outward.
Toast
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook sandwiches for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
Finish Under the Broiler
- Place toasted sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of béchamel over the tops.
- Sprinkle with grated Gruyère.
- Broil 2–4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully browned.
Serve
- Serve immediately with:
- Mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette
- Fresh grapes or sliced figs
- A crisp apple or pear
- A glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a chilled Provence rosé
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
What is a Croque Monsieur?
Croque Monsieur is one of France's most beloved café sandwiches. The name roughly translates to "Crunch Mister," a nod to its wonderfully crisp, buttery crust. Unlike an ordinary grilled ham and cheese, it's finished with a creamy béchamel sauce and extra Gruyère cheese before being broiled until golden and bubbly.