Crispy & Savory Authentic French Croque Monsieur
How to Make the Perfect Croque Monsieur for a Wonderful Brunch at Home
Whip up an authentic French brunch classic, the Croque Monsieur, right in your own kitchen! This delightful French ham and cheese toast features a rich, creamy béchamel sauce layered between slices of bread, generously filled with ham and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. The satisfying crunch of the toasted bread combined with the luscious butter and cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s perfect for brunch or a delightful snack.
Ingredients for Croque Monsieur- 4 slices thick-cut bread
- 4 slices cheese (cheddar or Gruyère recommended)
- 150g shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Pinch of dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
Rich & Creamy Béchamel Sauce- 20g unsalted butter (about 1.5 Tbsp)
- 20g all-purpose flour (about 1.5 Tbsp)
- 180ml cold milk (about 3/4 cup)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (for enhanced flavor)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
- 20g unsalted butter (about 1.5 Tbsp)
- 20g all-purpose flour (about 1.5 Tbsp)
- 180ml cold milk (about 3/4 cup)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (for enhanced flavor)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing and measuring all the ingredients for your Croque Monsieur: bread, cheeses, ham, and the components for the béchamel sauce. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the heart of the Croque Monsieur: the béchamel sauce. Place a saucepan or small pot over low heat. Melt the 20g of butter slowly, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn. Whisk gently until smooth.
Step 3
Once the butter is fully melted, sift in the 20g of all-purpose flour. Use a whisk or spatula to blend the flour and butter together thoroughly, creating a smooth paste without any lumps.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to stir and cook the flour-butter mixture (this is called a ‘roux’) for about 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook until it develops a pale golden color and the raw flour smell disappears. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step 5
When the roux is nicely browned and fragrant, start gradually adding the cold milk, 180ml in total. Pour the milk in slowly while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Adding it in stages is key for a silky smooth sauce.
Step 6
As the milk incorporates, the sauce will thin out initially. Keep whisking or stirring constantly as it heats up. This continuous motion is crucial to break down any potential lumps and achieve a lusciously smooth béchamel.
Step 7
Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Once it reaches a smooth, coating consistency, stir in a pinch of ground nutmeg to enhance the flavor and eliminate any lingering flour taste. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Step 8
It’s time to assemble the Croque Monsieur! Place one slice of bread on a plate or baking sheet. Generously spread a layer of the warm béchamel sauce all over the bread, making sure to reach the edges.
Step 9
Layer the thinly sliced ham evenly over the béchamel sauce. If your ham slices are thin, using two layers will add more flavor and a satisfying texture.
Step 10
Place a slice of cheese on top of the ham. The melting cheese will help bind the ingredients together beautifully.
Step 11
Now, place the second slice of bread on top to complete the sandwich. Gently press down to ensure everything is compact and even.
Step 12
Spread another thin layer of béchamel sauce over the top slice of bread. This ensures the entire sandwich is coated in delicious sauce and stays moist during baking.
Step 13
For the grand finale, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. You want a good amount so it melts into a gorgeous, bubbly crust! Finish with a light dusting of dried parsley flakes for a touch of color and aroma.
Step 14
Now, let’s bake your Croque Monsieur to golden perfection! Place it in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can bake it in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 7-9 minutes, or even cook it in a skillet over low heat with a lid until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 15
Serve your Croque Monsieur immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is gloriously gooey and stretchy! This perfectly toasted French ham and cheese sandwich, with its crispy exterior and rich, creamy interior, is an absolutely stellar brunch option. Enjoy every delicious bite!
