Croque-Monsieur

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Cook: 10 min.
Yield 4 sandwiches
Test Kitchen Approved
Made with ham, cheese, sharp mustard and soft, sweet bread, the classic French croque-monsieur sandwich elevates brunches and lunches.

Ingredients

  • BECHAMEL:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1-2/3 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • SANDWICH:
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 8 slices brioche bread
  • 12 slices deli ham
  • 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°. Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour; cook until lightly browned and bubbly, 2-3. Slowly whisk in milk; cook until thickened, 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne. Remove from heat; set aside.
  2. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each piece of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon bechamel sauce on 4 of the slices of brioche. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Top bechamel with three slices of ham, and 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyere. Place other half of brioche slices on top. Spread remaining bechamel sauce on top of sandwiches. Sprinkle with remaining shredded Gruyere. Bake 6-7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Turn oven to broil; broil 1-2 minutes or until tops are lightly golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

1 sandwich: 780 calories, 48g fat (28g saturated fat), 200mg cholesterol, 2275mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.

This French take on a ham and cheese sandwich includes a creamy bechamel sauce for a rich, savory flavor. And the cheese-topped brioche bread provides a crunch that gives this hot sandwich its name, 'croque.' —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Recipe Creator

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