Croque Monsieur Parisian Ham Cheese Sandwich
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what to eat in Paris if you can't hop on a plane? My answer: a Croque Monsieur ! Honestly, this dreamy French ham and cheese sandwich is like a warm hug on a plate.
Brief Overview
The Croque Monsieur , a Parisian staple, is more than a grilled cheese. It's a cultural icon. This easy French recipe takes about 35 minutes and makes 2 sandwiches.
Perfect for a quick lunch or light supper.
Main Benefits
This French ham and cheese sandwich boasts a good whack of protein. It's ideal for a weekend brunch or a cosy night in.
What makes it special? The luxurious béchamel sauce, of course!
Let's Talk Ingredients
We're diving into the ingredients for our Croque Monsieur recipe !
Béchamel Bliss
First, the béchamel! We need butter, flour, and milk. Don't forget the nutmeg! Trust me, it adds a magical touch.
Sandwich Essentials
Next, grab some white bread, Dijon mustard, sliced ham, and Gruyère cheese. Gruyère is a must. It melts like a dream.
The Taste of Travel Paris
I still remember my first Croque Monsieur near the Eiffel Tower! This recipe takes me right back there. Forget the best restaurants in Paris for a minute, this is better!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Parisian!
Fancy a trip? Let's bring a taste of France to your kitchen. We're making a Croque Monsieur , that most Parisian Sandwich .
It's the perfect treat! So gather your bits and bobs. You'll soon learn What to Eat in Paris without leaving home.
Main Players: The Ingredient Line-Up
Here's what you'll need to create this French Ham and Cheese Sandwich . We're talking proper French vibes here.
- Béchamel Base:
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
- Sandwich Stars:
- 4 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoons (approx. 60ml) Dijon mustard
- 4 ounces (115g) sliced cooked ham
- 4 ounces (115g) grated Gruyère cheese
- (Optional) 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Only use the best Gruyère! It's nutty and key to the flavour. For the ham, go for Parisian style ham (jambon de Paris) .
Honestly, it makes all the difference. This part is so important if you are planning a France Trip .
Seasoning Secrets: A Little French Flair
The magic is in the spices!
Nutmeg is essential for that warm, comforting feel. Don't skip it in the Béchamel Sauce Recipe . A good grind of black pepper brings everything to life! And Dijon? Forget the yellow stuff.
Only Dijon for this Easy French Recipe .
Essential Gear: Tools of the Trade
You don't need fancy gear to create something amazing, but these few key pieces are essential for making the Best Restaurants In Paris worthy food:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Spatula
- Grater
No baking sheet? Use an oven safe dish. Lost your whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. Don't sweat it.
Honestly, just get stuck in. This meal is perfect for anyone that dreams to Travel Paris .
Croque Monsieur: The Ultimate Parisian Ham & Cheese Sandwich
Okay, so you're dreaming of Paris, but can't quite afford the France Trip ? I feel you! That's when you bring Paris to you .
And nothing says " What to Eat in Paris " quite like a Croque Monsieur. It’s basically the king of all cheese toasties! Forget those sad, dry sandwiches you get at the airport.
This is the real deal! Honestly, this Easy French Recipes is so simple. Even I can't mess it up.
Prep Like a Pro (Even if You’re Not!)
First things first. Mise en place , darling! That's fancy talk for "get your stuff together." Chop your cheese, measure your milk, and lay out your ham.
It saves time later. Trust me. We will need: 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, plus more for spreading; 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste,4 slices white bread (such as pain de mie or brioche), about ½ inch thick; 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard (approx.
60ml); 4 ounces (115g) thinly sliced cooked ham, preferably Parisian style ham (jambon de Paris), and 4 ounces (115g) Gruyère cheese, grated.
. And remember safety first! Don't be burning yourself on the hob.
Let's Get Cooking!
- Make that Béchamel Sauce Recipe : Melt 2 tablespoons (28g) butter in a pan. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (15g) flour. Cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups (360ml) milk. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat. Simmer for 5 minutes , until thick. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This is the heart of the Parisian Sandwich .
- Assemble the sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. I use real butter here! Spread mustard on the other side. 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard (approx. 60ml)
- Cheese & Ham Time: Layer half the Gruyère, then the ham, then the rest of the cheese. I like a lot of cheese. 4 ounces (115g) Gruyère cheese !
- Béchamel Topping: Spread the béchamel over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan (optional).
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 10- 12 minutes , until golden. Or broil for 2- 3 minutes . Watch it closely. Don't burn it!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Croque Monsieur Recipe
Honestly, the bread makes or breaks this. Use something good, like brioche. I once tried using some cheap white bread from the supermarket.
Never again! Another thing. Don’t be tempted to skip the béchamel! It is so good!. You could check the Best Restaurants In Paris , but your kitchen could be the place for Restaurant Paris .
Want to make it ahead? Assemble the sandwiches up to the béchamel stage. Then, bake when you're ready. Serve with a side salad, and suddenly, it's like you're on a Travel Paris !
Recipe Notes for Your Parisian Adventure
Okay, so you're about to embark on your Croque Monsieur journey! Before you do, let's chat about a few bits and bobs that'll help you nail this Easy French Recipes classic.
I have made so many Croque Monsieur during my France Trip !
Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Magnifique
Right, presentation! When you Eat In Paris , you will find that presentation is everything. Plating wise, think simple elegance.
Cut the Parisian Sandwich in half diagonally. Fan the halves out slightly on the plate. This is for a professional Restaurant Paris look.
A small green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast. Honestly, even a few sprigs of parsley will do the trick.
For drinks, a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, is chef's kiss . You know?, some bubbly lemonade works a treat, too.
I'd imagine sipping one of those while strolling through the Tuileries Garden.
Storage Tips: A Rainy Day Savior
Leftovers? In the unlikely event of leftover Croque Monsieur, wrap them tightly in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. I think this is a good timeline.
For reheating, the oven is your best bet. About 350° F ( 175° C) for 10- 15 minutes will get it warm and melty again.
Microwaving is possible, but it can make the bread a bit soggy, yeah? Reheating a Croque Monsieur Recipe is super easy!
Freezing isn't ideal due to the béchamel sauce, but if you must, freeze before baking. Wrap tightly and thaw completely before baking. I wouldn't recommend it, though. Honestly, just eat it fresh.
Variations: Spice It Up, Buttercup!
Fancy a twist? For a Croque Madame , just top the finished sandwich with a fried egg. It's the ultimate brunch upgrade.
Vegetarian? Swap the ham for sliced mushrooms, sautéed with garlic and thyme. Works like a charm.
Want a bit of zing? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the béchamel or use a spicy mustard. This French Ham and Cheese Sandwich is very flexible! I once added some jalapenos.
.. it was interesting. You can try to find the Best Restaurants In Paris but this is a great recipe to stay in and enjoy in your own home.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Travel Paris Adventures
Okay, let's talk numbers. Each Croque Monsieur packs about 650 calories. It has 35g of protein, 40g of fat, and 40g of carbs.
It's a hearty, satisfying meal that'll keep you going. The protein from the ham and cheese is great for energy. The calcium is good for your bones.
Just remember, it's a treat. C'est la vie!
There is so much What to Eat in Paris , but you can begin your delicious trip in the comfort of your kitchen.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to make the perfect Croque Monsieur. Get in that kitchen and have some fun.
Before you know it you will be dreaming of Paris! This Béchamel Sauce Recipe is really very easy! You are doing great!
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, I'm no Paul Hollywood. How difficult is this "What to Eat in Paris" Croque Monsieur to actually make?
Fear not! This recipe is easier than baking a Victoria Sponge (and arguably more satisfying!). While the béchamel sauce might sound fancy, it's just a simple white sauce with a bit of nutmeg.
The rest is just layering and toasting, so even if your culinary skills are more "ready meal" than "Michelin star," you'll be fine.
Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time? My schedule is tighter than a pair of skinny jeans!
Absolutely! You can prepare the béchamel sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble the sandwiches, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, whisking constantly, until smooth and creamy again.
You may need to add a splash of milk if it's thickened too much.
What if I don't have Gruyère cheese? Is there a substitute for this recipe of "What to Eat in Paris"?
While Gruyère is the classic choice, Swiss cheese makes a decent substitute. It melts well and has a similar nutty flavor. However, avoid cheddar or mozzarella; their flavor profiles aren't quite right for a proper Croque Monsieur. A good cheese makes all the difference!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Is there any way to lighten up this decadent "What to Eat in Paris" treat?
You can make a few swaps! Use whole wheat bread, and reduce the amount of cheese. You could also use a lower fat ham. For the Béchamel, use 1% milk instead of whole, and cut back on the butter by 1 tsp. However, remember that a Croque Monsieur is meant to be a treat, so don't deprive yourself too much!
What's the best way to store leftover Croque Monsieurs? (If there are any leftovers, that is!)
If you happen to have any Croque Monsieurs left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the bread soggy.
Can I make a vegetarian version? I'm more of a veggie burger kind of gal.
Mais oui! To make a vegetarian Croque, substitute the ham with sliced mushrooms sautéed with shallots and garlic or use marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms. For a real Parisian experience, use the best quality mushrooms. This will add a depth of flavor that will have everyone saying "Ooh la la!"
Croque Monsieur Parisian Ham Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 0g |
