Name: Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups milk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 8 slices 1/2-inch thick country-style sourdough bread or pan de mie; 6 oz Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced; 6 oz Black Forest ham slices; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 oz (¾ cup) shredded Gruyere cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Few things beat the comforting, melty magic of a perfectly grilled sandwich. This Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe is one of my all-time favorites: rich, buttery béchamel, nutty Gruyère cheese, and savory ham come together in a golden, crispy embrace that's truly irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this classic French delight over and over.

Two baked slices stacked with layers of light golden melted cheese on top, the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned at edges with a creamy texture spread unevenly. Beneath the cheese, there are visible layers of browned slices and a round, slightly charred base, all placed on crinkled white baking paper on a baking tray. The surface underneath has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how this Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something so decadently delicious. It's the kind of sandwich that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in.

Classic French Charm: This recipe captures the essence of a traditional Croque Monsieur with authentic béchamel and Gruyère cheese, giving you that iconic flavor every bite.
Crispy & Gooey Contrast: You get a crispy, buttery crust outside with a rich, melty cheese and ham center—pure textural happiness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare components ahead of time, making assembly a breeze when hunger strikes.
Customizable & Versatile: Whether you like it a bit spicier or prefer a vegetarian twist, this recipe invites your personal touch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. The creamy béchamel acts as a luxurious glue, the Gruyère cheese offers that signature nutty, melty essence, and the ham adds savory depth. When shopping, look for fresh, high-quality ingredients — they truly elevate the final sandwich.

Flat lay of fresh country-style sourdough bread slices arranged neatly, thinly sliced pale yellow Gruyere cheese, folded pink Black Forest ham slices, whole clean unshelled brown eggs, small white ceramic bowls containing golden unsalted butter cubes, fine white flour, creamy white milk, smooth Dijon mustard, golden olive oil, finely shredded Gruyere cheese, finely grated pale Parmesan cheese, small white bowls with ground white pepper, ground nutmeg, fine salt, and a small pinch of bright red cayenne powder, all ingredients balanced symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: Whole milk is ideal for a rich, creamy béchamel sauce that clings perfectly to the bread.
Unsalted Butter: Gives you control over salt and delivers that silky mouthfeel—essential for both béchamel and frying.
Flour: Helps thicken the béchamel into that spreadable, luscious consistency.
Salt, Nutmeg, White Pepper, Cayenne: These little spices brighten and deepen the béchamel, making it anything but boring.
Country-style Sourdough Bread or Pan de Mie: Thick slices provide the perfect sturdy base to hold up all that goodness, with a slight tanginess from sourdough that complements the rich sauce.
Gruyère Cheese: The star of the show—its nutty flavor and excellent meltability make the sandwich irresistibly savory.
Ham (Black Forest preferred): Adds smoky, meaty flavor that balances the creamy cheese and sauce.
Dijon Mustard: A tangy, sharp layer that cuts through the richness and adds complexity.
Olive Oil: Used with butter for frying for balanced browning and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty topping that crisps beautifully when broiled.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe depending on my mood or what I have around. Sometimes I swap in smoked turkey for ham or add a dash of hot sauce to the béchamel. You can really make it your own and still enjoy that classic French feel.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap ham for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies; be sure to use a flavorful cheese like aged Gruyère or add caramelized onions to boost savoriness.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne (like I do) gives just a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with Dijon mustard.
Seasonal Twist: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary into your béchamel for an herbaceous depth during cooler months.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and substitute the flour in béchamel with a gluten-free blend to keep it comfy and sandwich-y.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe

A close-up view of a sandwich held by a woman's hand, showing three layers: the top and bottom layers are thick, toasted bread slices with a golden-brown crust and soft, airy inside; the middle layer has thin slices of pink ham folded neatly; between the bread and ham, melted yellow cheese drips slightly, stretching and covering parts of the ham and bread. In the background, part of the sandwich is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface, with melted cheese spreading around it. The lighting is bright, making the textures of bread, cheese, and ham very clear. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Master the Béchamel with Ease

Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Cooking for a couple of minutes without browning it sets the base for your sauce. Slowly add milk while whisking—this part was tricky for me at first, but pouring in just a bit at a time prevents lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to a spreadable consistency, then season with salt, nutmeg, white pepper, and a hint of cayenne for that little extra pop. Remove from heat once perfectly thick—it should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 2: Build Your Sandwiches with Love

Lay out your bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread half of your béchamel evenly on each—don't be shy, this sauce takes center stage here. Layer the Gruyère cheese, then fold ham to fit snugly, spread Dijon over the ham, and add another cheese layer before topping with the remaining bread slices, béchamel side down. This careful layering ensures every bite is perfectly balanced between crispy bread, creamy sauce, and cheesy, meaty filling.

Step 3: Pan Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a cast-iron skillet—I love this combo because it browns the bread beautifully without burning. Grill your sandwiches for about two minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even crisping. The cheese inside won't be fully melted yet, but don’t rush this step! Once golden, transfer sandwiches back to the baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Topping & Bake

Spread the remaining béchamel on top, sprinkle shredded Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, then pop them in the oven at 400°F. Bake 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts, then broil for 2-3 minutes for that signature golden bubbly crust. Watch closely during broil — it can brown quickly!

Step 5: Serve & Savor Each Gooey Bite

These sandwiches are too rich and oozy to eat with your hands (trust me, I’ve tried!). Serve immediately with a fork and knife, diving into layers of buttery, cheesy, smoky deliciousness. It’s pure comfort on a plate.

Top Tip

From making this Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe multiple times, I’ve found a few tricks that really make or break the result. The béchamel’s texture and seasoning quality matter so much to get that authentic taste and mouthfeel.

Slow Milk Addition: Slowly adding milk to the roux while whisking avoids lumps and creates a silky sauce every time.
Press While Frying: Use your spatula to gently press the sandwiches in the pan to encourage an even, golden crust without squashing the filling.
Don’t Skip the Broil: That final broil step is crucial for the bubbly, golden cheese crust that makes this sandwich so special.
Use Quality Cheese: I always buy Gruyère slices from the deli and grate fresh from the block for the topping—pre-shredded just doesn’t melt the same.

How to Serve Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe

cheesy croque monsieur - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to add color and a bit of freshness against the richness. A few cracks of black pepper on top also elevate the flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. I also love serving it alongside classic French fries or a handful of cornichons for some crunch and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or a special occasion, I slice the sandwiches into triangles and arrange them on a platter with mini ramekins of Dijon mustard and fresh green herbs. It makes for a charming, shareable presentation that guests always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheating in the oven helps restore the crispness better than the microwave, which can make things soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled sandwiches before baking—wrap each tightly and freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a lifesaver when you want a fancy meal but are short on prep time.

Reheating

To reheat, I find baking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes restores that crisp crust and melty center best. If you want to freshen up the topping, a quick broil at the end recreates the golden cheese crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of cheese is best for Croque Monsieur?

Gruyère is the traditional choice due to its mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, which give Croque Monsieur its signature creamy texture and golden crust.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based deli slice. Using a flavorful cheese and a well-seasoned béchamel will keep the sandwich tasty and satisfying.

How do I avoid soggy bread when assembling?

Using thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or pan de mie helps prevent sogginess. Also, spreading béchamel thickly and grilling the sandwich before baking locks in structure, keeping the bread crispy.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the béchamel sauce ahead and keep it refrigerated. Ham and cheese can be sliced and ready for assembly, making the final sandwich build quick and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Croque Monsieur Sandwiches Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms humble ingredients into a comforting, elegant experience. Whether it's for a weekend brunch or a quick but indulgent weeknight dinner, this sandwich always delivers warmth and joy. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love making it as much as eating it!