Description
A classic French ham and cheese sandwich, featuring layers of creamy béchamel and aged gruyère cheese, perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices robust white sandwich bread or pain de mie
- 6–8 thin slices premium cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) grated aged gruyère cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the béchamel sauce: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in 1 ¼ cups of whole milk, whisking continuously until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Prepare the bread and fillings: Spread béchamel on one side of each slice of bread. Layer ham and sprinkle gruyère cheese on four slices, then top with remaining bread.
- Butter the sandwiches: Spread remaining butter on the outside of each sandwich.
- Cook the sandwiches: Place in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently.
- Finish with cheese topping (optional): Add more béchamel and a sprinkle of gruyère on top, then broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve warm: Rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice and enjoy.
Notes
Make-ahead: Prepare béchamel a day in advance. Cooking alternative: Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: croque monsieur, French sandwich, béchamel, gruyère, comfort food