🧀🥖 Croque Monsieur — The French Grilled Ham & Cheese

Think of it as grilled cheese’s elegant Parisian cousin. Crunchy on the outside, gooey and creamy on the inside — with that golden cheese top that sizzles.

🛒 Ingredients (for 2 sandwiches)

For the sandwiches:

4 slices white bread (pain de mie or brioche if you're extra)

4 slices ham (Jambon de Paris or any good-quality cooked ham)

1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)

1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, but très français)

1 tbsp butter (to spread on bread)

For the béchamel sauce:

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1/2 cup milk (warm)

Pinch of salt, pepper, nutmeg

1/4 cup grated cheese (same as above)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

🧑‍🍳 1. Make the béchamel
Melt 1 tbsp butter in a small saucepan.

Add flour, whisk until it forms a smooth paste (1 min).

Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until thickened.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Stir in 1/4 cup cheese until melted and creamy. Set aside.

🥪 2. Assemble the sandwich
Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.

On the other side (inside), spread Dijon mustard.

Add a slice or two of ham and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

Top with the second slice (buttered side facing out).

🔥 3. Grill it
Pan-fry the sandwich in a skillet on medium heat until both sides are golden brown and crispy (3–4 min per side).

🔥🧀 4. Broil to perfection
Place the grilled sandwiches on a baking sheet.

Spoon béchamel sauce on top, then a final layer of grated cheese.

Broil (or bake at high heat) for 3–5 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

🍳 Optional Upgrade → Croque Madame
Just top with a fried or poached egg and voilà! Madame enters the chat 🥚👒

🥂 Serving Ideas:
Side salad with vinaigrette

A glass of cold white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Edith Piaf on repeat 🎶