Looking for a sandwich that’s crispy, creamy, and utterly indulgent? Meet the Croque Monsieur—France’s most iconic café sandwich. This isn’t your average ham and cheese. With its rich béchamel sauce, melty Gruyère, and golden toasted crust, the Croque Monsieur is a culinary hug between two slices of bread.

In this recipe blog, you’ll discover how to make the classic Croque Monsieur at home with step-by-step instructions, learn its charming Parisian history, and get pro tips to elevate your sandwich game.

🇫🇷 What is a Croque Monsieur?

Croque Monsieur (pronounced krohk muh-syur) translates to “Mister Crunch” in French. It first appeared in Paris cafés in the early 1900s and has remained a favorite ever since. It’s traditionally made with:

Pain de mie (a soft white bread)

Jambon de Paris (French ham)

Gruyère or Emmental cheese

Béchamel sauce, and

A final toasting or baking to crispy, cheesy perfection.

🛒 Ingredients

Serves 2

For the béchamel sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup (240 ml) whole milk

A pinch of ground nutmeg

Salt and white or black pepper, to taste


For the sandwich:

4 slices white sandwich bread or brioche (preferably thick-cut)

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional but traditional)

4 slices cooked ham (French-style if possible)

1½ cups (150g) grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for pan toasting)

🥪 How to Make the Perfect Croque Monsieur

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in milk and stir continuously until thickened.

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

Remove from heat and set aside.

💡 Béchamel should be silky smooth—no lumps. You can make this ahead of time.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lightly toast the bread slices (optional but adds structure).

Spread Dijon mustard on 2 slices of bread.

Layer with 1 slice of ham and about 1 tablespoon of béchamel.

Sprinkle some cheese over the béchamel.

Top with the second slice of bread to close the sandwich.

Step 3: Top and Cook

Spread a thin layer of béchamel on top of each sandwich.

Sprinkle generously with Gruyère on top—this will form the golden, crispy crust.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake or Pan-Fry

Oven Method (traditional):

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Bake for 10–12 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbling.


Skillet Method (crustier):

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Cook the sandwich on both sides until golden, then finish with cheese topping under a broiler.

🍳 Want to Make a Croque Madame?

Just add a fried or poached egg on top of your Croque Monsieur and voilà—you have a Croque Madame! The egg’s richness pairs beautifully with the creamy béchamel.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Croque Monsieur with:

A light green salad with mustard vinaigrette

Cornichons or pickled onions

A side of french fries or potato wedges

A glass of Chardonnay, Chablis, or even a cold beer

Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a simple yet indulgent dinner!

💡 Tips & Variations

Cheese substitute: Use Comté, Swiss, or cheddar if Gruyère isn’t available.

Add tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Use brioche for a richer, slightly sweet twist.

Béchamel too thick? Thin with a splash of warm milk.

Store leftover béchamel in the fridge for up to 3 days.

📜 A Little History Bite

The Croque Monsieur made its first appearance in Parisian cafés around 1910 and quickly became a staple in French bistro menus. Legend has it that it was invented when workers left their ham and cheese sandwiches near a hot radiator—and the delicious, melted result sparked a culinary movement!

Today, it’s a symbol of French casual cuisine, enjoyed everywhere from cozy homes to elegant brasseries.

🧡 Final Thoughts

The Croque Monsieur may be simple, but it delivers big on flavor and comfort. Creamy béchamel, savory ham, and gooey cheese between buttery toasted bread—what more could you ask for?

Whether you're reminiscing about a Paris vacation or just want a comforting bite on a rainy afternoon, this classic French sandwich will never let you down.

Bon Appétit!