Croque-Monsieur: A Cheesy French Sandwich That Sparks Joy
About this Recipe
By: Rachel
The croque-monsieur is a simple but delicious French bistro sandwich that has been popular in France since the early 20th century, and you can find it on nearly every brasserie’s midi (afternoon) menu. Its name translates to “mister crunch” or “crunchy mister,” and how fun is that?
From the Croque-Monsieur to Chocolate Soufflé: The French Know Good Food
As we know, the French prioritize good food. Produce is generally purchased at local markets, where fresh, seasonal ingredients are plentiful. Baked goods come from local boulangeries, where you can buy anything from the iconic baguette to simple, sweet pastries like pain au chocolat to more elaborate desserts that look too pretty to eat (almost).
Every town has specialty shops selling cheeses, charcuterie, chocolate, and more, handmade according to generations of tradition. This focus on the quality and freshness of ingredients is what makes even simple fare so special.
What Makes This Rustic French Sandwich So Memorable
The combination of pain de mie (simple white sandwich bread), bechamel sauce flavored with Dijon mustard, nutty gruyère cheese, and salty cured meat make a mouthwatering combination—think grilled cheese, but with a major upgrade.
I love the croque-monsieur since it is hot, rich, and filling enough to be a satisfying lunch all on its own, but not so heavy that it makes you feel bloated, tired, or over-full afterward. I also love how simple it is to make—unlike a grilled cheese, which you must watch carefully on the stovetop to avoid burning, this comes out perfectly crispy in the oven every single time.
Prep Ahead To Enjoy Croque-Monsieurs All Week Long!
To save time, I often make a batch of bechamel sauce and store it in the fridge. Then, I shred some Gruyère cheese to keep in a ziplock bag. That way, I can enjoy croque-monsieurs (crunchy misters!!) all week. This comforting French bistro sandwich comes together in just minutes, and is the perfect lunch for a chilly fall or winter day.
What To Enjoy With This Classic French Sandwich
A croque-monsieur is perfect just as it is! But a classic Leek and Potato Soup or bright green salad elevates your lunch even more. If you really want to enjoy a decadent treat—or are hosting some guests you want to impress—why not go for it and make chocolate soufflé?
Of course, you must enjoy a glass of French wine with your classic croque-monsieur! Olivia from Violet Wine wisely guides us toward a sparkling wine, like Crémant de Bourgogne or Crémant de Loire.
Beverage Pairing
By: Olivia
You’ll enjoy your croque-monsieur even more with a sparkling wine. Just as classic as the dish itself, a glass of bubbly is the lunch upgrade you didn’t know you needed! Look out for a bottle of Crémant de Bourgogne or Crémant de Loire. Both are made in the traditional method, meaning the second fermentation happens in the bottle, so their bubbles are really delicate. With their bready, floral, and fruity notes, these sparkling wines are a perfect match for a croque-monsieur.
Croque-Monsieur
Equipment
- Kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (235mL) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I like my sauce quite mustard-y; you can use less!)
- Freshly-ground black pepper
- Several gratings fresh nutmeg
- 4 slices white sandwich bread
- 8 slices smoked turkey or ham, thinly-sliced
- ½ cup (60 grams) Gruyère cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons (30g) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
- Place one oven rack in the center of the oven, and another closer to the broiler element. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a small sheet pan lined with foil or parchment. Make the bechamel sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisking in the flour. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, then gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture just begins to bubble and thicken. Remove from heat, and whisk in the Dijon mustard, pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside.You can store any extra bechamel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days to enjoy croque-monsieurs all week!
Step 2
- Lay two slices of bread on your prepared sheet pan. Spread each slice generously with bechamel sauce. Top with sliced meat, and sprinkle each with ¼ of the shredded Gruyère. Add the top slice to each, and cover generously with bechamel, going all the way to the sides (this will prevent the edges from burning). Divide the remaining Gruyère over each sandwich, and top with the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Step 3
- Place in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Turn on the broiler, and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown on the top, to finish. (If you have used parchment paper, be careful not to allow the parchment to get too close to the broiler). Serve immediately.
