Go Back
Croque Monsieur Grill Recipe

Croque Monsieur Grill Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

As a food enthusiast and a registered dietitian, I find joy in blending classic recipes with a dash of creativity. Today, I'm excited to talk about one such recipe that has graced my kitchen many times: the Croque Monsieur Grill. 
Originating in France, this oozy, cheesy delight captures hearts and tantalizes taste buds. I remember the first time I tried it; I was mesmerized by the melty cheese and salty ham combinations. 
What makes this dish truly unique is not just how it tastes, but how it's prepared. Buckle up; I’ll guide you through crafting this irresistible recipe and share tips that will make it a staple in your home. Ready to dive in?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 1353
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Béchamel
  • 2 tablespoons finely sifted all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons creamy unsalted butter
  • 1 cup warm whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, adjusted to taste
  • A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg optional
For the Sandwich
  • 2 slices of thick-cut artisan white bread
  • 1/2 cup creamy béchamel sauce
  • 1/2 cup coarsely grated Gruyère cheese or a blend of Gruyère and Emmental
  • 2 to 3 slices of thinly shaved, high-quality ham
  • 2 teaspoons smooth Dijon mustard, with extra for layering if desired
  • 1 tablespoon melted clarified butter or softened European-style unsalted butter, with extra as needed
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cooking spray or a light drizzle of neutral oil

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for about two minutes. This helps to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the warm milk while continuing to whisk.
    Cook for another five minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, white pepper, and the nutmeg if using. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
  1. Preheat your griddle or a skillet over medium heat. While it heats up, take two slices of your artisan bread. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice. This mustard layer adds complexity and a zing that brings everything together.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. On top of the mustard side, add a generous layer of the béchamel sauce followed by a sprinkling of Gruyère cheese.
    Place your ham slices on top of the cheese, then add more béchamel, and finish with another layer of cheese. Top off with the other slice of bread, mustard side down.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
  1. Melt a tablespoon of clarified butter in your preheated skillet. Once the butter is hot and sizzles, carefully place the sandwich in the pan.
    Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the sandwich carefully and grill the other side, adding more butter if necessary.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Once perfectly golden and crispy, remove from heat. Let it rest for a minute. Slice the sandwich diagonally, revealing the melted cheese and ham within. Serve warm and enjoy every mouthful!

Notes

  • Use thick-cut artisanal bread. This prevents sogginess and holds together while grilling.
  • Let the béchamel cool slightly. This helps it stick to the bread rather than making everything too soggy.
  • Don’t skimp on the cheese. A generous layer guarantees that melty goodness.
  • Experiment with cheeses. Try other cheeses like Fontina or Comté for varied flavor.
  • Serve with a side. A simple salad or fries elevates the meal and adds more balance.