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Croque Monsieur (Bistro-Style) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

This classic Bistro-style Croque Monsieur is an indulgent French grilled ham and cheese sandwich elevated with a creamy béchamel sauce, melted Gruyère, and Parmigiano Reggiano, all baked to golden perfection on thick-cut brioche bread. Perfect for a savory lunch or elegant brunch.

Ingredients

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Béchamel Sauce

  • 2.5 tbsp butter
  • 2.5 tbsp flour
  • 1 1/3 cup milk (warmed)
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp chives (finely chopped)
  • salt (to taste)

Sandwich

  • 8 slices brioche bread (thick cut)
  • 8 slices ham
  • 8 oz gruyère (shredded)
  • 4 oz parmigiano reggiano (grated)

Instructions

  1. Make the Béchamel: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 4 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in warmed milk and let the sauce thicken, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in nutmeg, white pepper, Dijon mustard, finely chopped chives, and salt to taste. Remove from heat.
  2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 slices of brioche on the baking sheet and spread béchamel sauce evenly over the tops. Layer ham slices and about 1 oz shredded Gruyère on each. Spread béchamel on one side of the remaining 4 brioche slices and place those sauce-side down on top of each sandwich. Finish by topping each sandwich with the remaining shredded Gruyère and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
  3. Bake and Broil: Bake sandwiches in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until heated through and cheese starts to melt. Then switch to broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbling and golden brown. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut brioche for the best texture and flavor.
  • Be careful not to burn the béchamel when cooking the roux; cook on medium-low heat.
  • Broiling time is quick; watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
  • You can substitute Gruyère with Emmental cheese if unavailable.
  • For a lighter version, use turkey ham and low-fat milk.

Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, béchamel, Gruyère, ham and cheese, bistro-style sandwich, baked sandwich

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/croque-monsieur-bistro-style-recipe/