Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than the Croque Monsieur and its fancier cousin, the Croque Madame! These classic French sandwiches are the perfect blend of savory ham, melted Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly crisp béchamel sauce, all nestled between slices of buttery bread. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner idea or a sophisticated brunch option, this recipe will guide you to cheesy perfection. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes two Croque Monsieur/Madame sandwiches.
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 slices of good quality bread (brioche or country bread works best)
- 4 slices of cooked ham (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For the Croque Madame (optional):
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
Making the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux).
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using), and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Assembling the Croque Monsieur/Madame:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Lay two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a lightly oiled skillet or griddle.
- Top each slice of bread with two slices of ham and then top with Gruyère cheese.
- Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and cheese melting.
- For the Croque Madame, carefully place the cooked sandwiches onto a baking sheet. Crack the beaten egg over the top of each sandwich and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the egg white is set and the yolk is slightly runny.
Tips for the Best Croque Monsieur/Madame:
- Use high-quality bread – it makes all the difference!
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the sandwiches in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- If you prefer a crispier sandwich, you can briefly toast the bread before assembling.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the béchamel sauce.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Croque Monsieur: Replace ham with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Spicy Croque Monsieur: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the béchamel sauce.
- Gourmet Croque Monsieur: Try adding caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or different cheeses like Comté or Fontina.
Nutritional Information (per Croque Monsieur):
This is an approximate nutritional value and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This simple yet elegant recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame! It’s a delightful dish for any occasion, proving that even the best recipes can be surprisingly simple to make.