There’s a lot to love about a Croque Monsieur. The classic French cafe sandwich consists of ham, cheese, and a creamy bechamel sauce, all piled between two slices of bread and topped with more cheese and sauce. Yum! Once cooked, the sandwich becomes crispy, gooey, and deliciously cheesy — hard to eat, sure, but easy to enjoy.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we created a sheet pan version that cooks the sandwiches all in one go. Not only does this mean they’re ready to serve at the same time, but it also makes the cooking process entirely hands off. Pop ‘em in the oven, pour yourself a glass of wine, and in just a few minutes you’ll be digging into sandwich perfection. Did we mention there’s barely anything to clean?
You’ll begin by spreading Dijon mustard onto four slices of toasted sourdough bread. These two ingredients are crucial to the Croque Monsieur’s flavor, as their tanginess helps offset the richness of the cheese and sauce. Next, you’ll make the bechamel sauce, which is a simple mixture of butter, flour, and milk. Though it’s easy, be patient: adding the milk slowly will keep the sauce nice and creamy. If you have it, add a pinch of nutmeg, too, which adds warmth and complexity.
Now for the fun part: assembly! Divide some sauce among the remaining bread slices, then top with sliced ham and shredded cheese. Grate or thinly slice one or two of the following cheeses for your sandwich: parmesan, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina. If you’re feeling adventurous, use Gruyère which is traditionally used in this sandwich. Gruyère has a mild and earthy flavor. Close each sandwich with the mustard-topped bread, then spread the tops of each with the remaining sauce. Bake until heated through, then broil until the bread crisps, the cheese melts, and the tops become beautifully golden.
If you’re eager to make these ASAP, good news: there’s truly no reason to wait. A Croque Monsieur is delicious any time of day, from morning to night. And for particularly hungry cooks, you can take it one step further: top the sandwich with a fried egg and you’ve got a Croque Madame.
Get the recipe: Croque Monsieur
