How to Make Traditional Croque Monsieur with Bechamel Sauce (Cafe-Style) - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever visited a cozy French cafe, you may have indulged in the rich and decadent delight known as the Croque Monsieur. This beloved classic of French cuisine combines layers of ham and cheese between slices of buttery, toasted bread, all topped with a luxurious blanket of creamy Bechamel sauce. It's no wonder that this iconic dish has become a staple on menus around the world, beloved for its indulgent flavors and comforting appeal.

While the Croque Monsieur may appear simple...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 pound shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 16 slices white sandwich bread
  • ½ pound thinly sliced ham

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 sandwiches

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place bread slices on a baking sheet.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour; cook and stir until paste-like, about 2 minutes. Slowly add milk, while stirring. Cook and stir until sauce is thickened, about 3 minutes. Turn off the burner and stir in 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, salt, and pepper.
  • Toast bread slices in the preheated oven, keeping an eye on them so they don't burn, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Remove bread from the oven and top 8 slices with ham. Sprinkle 1/2 of the remaining Gruyere over the ham, then top with remaining 8 bread slices. Pour Bechamel sauce over each sandwich and sprinkle with remaining Gruyere.
  • Return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil until cheese is nicely toasted but not burned, 1 to 2 minutes. Enjoy while hot.
  • Nutrition

    434 cal.

    • Total Fat: 27g
    • Saturated Fat: 15g
    • Cholesterol: 91mg
    • Sodium: 760mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 22g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 27g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 720mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 223mg