Ham and cheese sandwich, en français
The French do many things well when it comes to food however they are not particularly creative when it comes to sandwich making as can be seen in the Croque monsieur. You likely won’t find new and innovative ingredients between 2 pieces of bread but you will find quality.
The bread is crunchy on the outside but soft inside. The cheese is the best you’ve ever eaten. The slices of ham or saucisson are salty and powerful. One slice is all you need in your sandwich along with the butter – French butter, that is. The butter that makes EVERYTHING heavenly. Word to the wise, invest in good French butter.
Put in your best efforts and finest ingredients
When it comes to making French food, great care and attention should be paid not only to technique but also to the quality of ingredients. It simply won’t taste as good if you use sub-par ingredients or take any shortcuts.
So, my advice for this recipe is to do the best you can. You don’t have to use the traditional ingredients if you can’t find quality. So, if you can’t find good Gruyere simply substitute it with another hard cheese that is high quality.
If you can’t get good French ham slices but you can get good Prosciutto or Serrano ham, then try using that. Don’t use normal sandwich bread either. Go to the bakery and pick out a nice crusty loaf. Take great care with this sandwich and you’ll taste the rewards. Bon Appétit!
The Sauce
The Sandwich
Croque Monsieur (French Ham and Cheese Sandwich)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
A Croque Monsieur is a French bistro classic of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich held together with a creamy bechamel sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner. #sandwich #Frenchrecipes #ham #cheese
Ingredients
- 3–4 finely cut slices of ham (preferably good, preferably French)
- 3–4 sliced bread (preferably crusty, good quality)
- 1–2 tbsp mustard (dijon is best but if you are in a pinch, hot English mustard works just as well)
- 4–6 oz/115-170g of grated cheese ( traditionally gruyere and emmental/swiss are used but if you can’t find good quality gruyere or emmental/swiss then go with another hard cheese like an aged white cheddar)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup/240ml milk (warm)
- salt
- pepper
- a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Over medium-low heat, melt 2 tbsp on butter in a medium saucepan. Allow the butter to clarify (you’ll know when the butter has clarified when the bubbling has calmed because most of the water has evaporated off).
- Once butter is clarified, stir in 1 tbsp of flour along with a pinch of nutmeg and whisk together.
- Let cook on medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes. You want the roux (flour and butter mixture) to cook but not to brown.
- Slowly add the warm milk a little at a time, whisking it together as you go.
- Once all milk has been poured in, increase heat and continue to whisk until boiling.
- Once at a boil, reduce heat to low and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer not to have black specks in your sauce, simply use white pepper instead.
- Remove from heat after 2-3 minutes.
- Spread 1-2 tbsp of béchamel sauce on each slice of bread.
- Top with 1-2 slices of good quality ham.
- Combine pieces of bread together so that you have a béchamel and ham sandwich.
- Spread mustard on the top of the sandwich.
- Spread 1-2 tbsp of béchamel sauce over mustard.
- Top with 2-3 oz of grated cheese.
- Place on a baking tray beneath the broiler or grill and cook until cheese is melted, bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve with a side salad, frites (french fries) and a spoonful of Dijon on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
Turn any croque monsieur into a croque madame by topping with sunny side egg.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Sandwich, Lunch
- Method: sandwich making
- Cuisine: French
More French-inspired recipes:
Marsala Mushroom and Goat Cheese French Omelette
Rosemary and Marsala Wine Chicken Liver Parfait
Red Cabbage Sautéed in Red Wine, Garlic and Thyme
