Ultimate Croque Monsieur Gratiné

A decadent, French-inspired twist on the classic ham and cheese sandwich, baked to golden perfection with a creamy béchamel and bubbly Gruyère crust. This is the ultimate indulgent version!

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches:

8 slices thick-cut brioche or sourdough bread
8 oz (225g) high-quality baked ham (Black Forest or Parisian-style), thinly sliced
8 oz (225g) Gruyère cheese, grated (or Comté/Emmental)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Béchamel Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk, warmed
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping:

½ cup (50g) Gruyère, grated
¼ cup (25g) Parmesan, grated

Instructions

1. Make the Béchamel:

In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook for 1-2 minutes (don’t let it brown).
Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and ½ cup Parmesan. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
On the unbuttered side, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
Layer ham and Gruyère on half the slices, then top with the remaining slices (buttered side out).

3. Bake & Gratiné:

Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to lightly toast.
Remove from oven, smother each sandwich with béchamel, then sprinkle with remaining Gruyère and Parmesan.
Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly (watch closely!).

Serving Suggestions

Pair with: A simple green salad with vinaigrette or cornichons (French pickles).
Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or dry Champagne.

Pro Tips:

🔥 Extra Indulgent? Add a fried egg on top to make it a Croque Madame.
🧀 No Gruyère? Use Emmental, Comté, or even sharp white cheddar.
🍞 Best Bread: Brioche adds richness, but sourdough gives a nice tangy contrast.

This is the king of grilled cheese sandwiches—rich, melty, and unforgettable. Bon appétit! 🇫🇷🧀🔥

Would you like a lighter version or a vegetarian twist? Let me know!