Croque Monsieur is a classic French café sandwich dating back to early 20th-century Paris. Rich, indulgent and beautifully simple, it transforms basic ingredients into something elegant and satisfying.
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Preparation
10 min.
Cooking
13 min.
Тotal
23 min.
Servings
2
Crispy, creamy and irresistibly cheesy - this classic Croque Monsieur is French comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
white bread - 4 slices
ham - 2 slices
yellow cheese (gruyère or similar) - 80 g (2.8 oz)
In a small saucepan, 1 tbsp butter is melted. The flour is added and stirred continuously. It is cooked for about 1 minute, then the milk is poured in gradually while whisking constantly until a smooth sauce forms.
The béchamel is seasoned with salt, black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. It is cooked until thickened and creamy.
Two slices of bread are placed on a work surface and lightly spread with béchamel sauce. Ham and grated cheese are added, then topped with the remaining slices of bread.
The tops are spread with more béchamel and sprinkled with extra grated cheese.
The Croque Monsieur sandwiches are baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, until golden and bubbling. They can be finished under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for an extra crispy top.
They are served hot, often with arugula or a simple green salad.
For the version topped with a fried egg, the sandwich becomes a Croque Madame.
A Croque Monsieur is a classic French hot sandwich made with bread, ham, melted cheese (usually Gruyère), and often topped with béchamel sauce before being baked or grilled.
What does the name “Croque Monsieur” mean?
The name comes from the French words croquer (“to crunch”) and monsieur (“mister”), referring to the crispy texture of the toasted sandwich.
Where did the Croque Monsieur originate?
The sandwich appeared in Parisian cafés in the late 19th or early 20th century and became a popular quick snack served in bistros.
What ingredients are traditionally used in a Croque Monsieur?
The classic version includes bread (often pain de mie), ham, Gruyère cheese, butter, and béchamel sauce, then it is toasted until the cheese melts and forms a golden crust.
What is the difference between Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame?
A Croque Madame is the same sandwich but served with a fried or poached egg on top.
Is Croque Monsieur similar to grilled cheese?
Yes, but it is richer and more complex because it contains ham and béchamel sauce in addition to melted cheese.
What cheese is best for Croque Monsieur?
Gruyère is the most traditional choice, although Emmental or Comté are also commonly used in France.
Can Croque Monsieur be served for breakfast or brunch?
Yes. In France it is commonly served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or as a quick café meal.
Can Croque Monsieur be baked instead of fried?
Yes. Many recipes bake the sandwich in the oven or under a broiler so the cheese melts and forms a golden crust.
What is typically served with Croque Monsieur?
It is often served with a green salad, fries, or even a bowl of French onion soup in bistro-style meals.
Is Croque Monsieur popular outside France?
Yes. It is widely served in cafés and restaurants around the world and has inspired variations such as the American Monte Cristo sandwich.
Can Croque Monsieur be customized with other ingredients?
Yes. Some variations add tomatoes, smoked salmon, different cheeses, or sauces while keeping the same sandwich concept.
In the US, it’s often compared to a grilled cheese sandwich but elevated with creamy béchamel and oven baking. In the UK, it resembles a sophisticated toasted ham and cheese, perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
Serve it with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for an authentic French bistro experience at home.
