Croque monsieur recipe is one of classic French recipes that has become a popular snack and lunch option all over the world. This delicious sandwich is made with ham, Gruyere cheese, and béchamel sauce, all sandwiched between slices of bread and grilled to perfection. It’s the perfect comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Interestingly, the origins of the croque-monsieur can be traced back to Parisian cafés in the early 1900s, where it was initially served as a quick snack for the busy working class.
Legend has it that the name “croque-monsieur” was inspired by the sound the sandwich makes when you bite into it. “Croque” means “crunch” or “crunchy” in French, while “monsieur” is a term of respect used to address men. The dish became so popular that it even inspired a sister dish called the “croque-madame,” which is a croque-monsieur with a fried egg on top.
Looking for classic French recipes? Try the iconic croque monsieur sandwich for a taste of France in every bite!
Duration: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Budget: Affordable
Serving size: 4 servings
Calories: 370 kcals / portion
Ingredients
- 8 slices of sandwich bread (white or wheat)
- 2 slices of cooked ham
- Salt, pepper
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 3.5 oz (100 g) of grated Gruyère cheese
- 3.5 fl oz (100 ml) of semi-skimmed milk
- 4 tbsp of crème fraîche (sour cream)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven on the broil setting.
- Soak the grated gruyere cheese in a mixture of milk and crème fraiche (heavy cream).
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- On a slice of bread, place half a slice of ham.
- Add the gruyere mixture on top of the ham, then place another slice of bread with more gruyere mixture on top.
- Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the croque monsieur is golden brown.
Tips
Tip 1: Choose the right bread To make a great croque-monsieur, you need to start with the right bread. Traditionally, pain de mie (French white sandwich bread) is used, but you can also use brioche or sourdough for added flavor.
Tip 2: Don’t skimp on the cheese Cheese is a crucial ingredient in a croque-monsieur, so don’t be afraid to use plenty of it. Gruyere or Emmental cheese is traditionally used, but you can experiment with other varieties as well.
Tip 3: Add some extra flavor To give your croque-monsieur some extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce or spread some Dijon mustard on the bread before assembling the sandwich.
Tip 4: Use Greek Yogurt to replace sour cream and multigrain bred instead of bread to make a healthy version of this croque monsieur recipe.
Whether you’re in Paris or New York, the croque-monsieur is a beloved sandwich that will never go out of style. Its simple yet delicious combination of flavors has won over the hearts and stomachs of people all over the world. So why not whip up a batch of croque-monsieurs today and experience the magic for yourself? You never know, you might even start a new food trend in your own town thanks to our french recipes!