Editorial: Kockums JernverkPublished: 2026-11-06

Croque monsieur

Name: Croque monsieur
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 15 g butter; 1 tbsp plain flour; 150 ml milk; A pinch of salt; A pinch of grated nutmeg; 4 slices white sandwich bread; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 4 slices cooked ham (about 100 g); 100 g grated Gruyère or Emmental; 20 g butter, for frying

Serves 2 · 25 minutes · Cream Lux plate

The French classic: butter-fried bread with Dijon mustard, ham and Gruyère, topped with béchamel and grilled until golden. Served hot on an enamel plate.

Croque monsieur is a French hot sandwich of ham and cheese, fried in butter and finished with béchamel sauce and grated Gruyère under high heat. The sauce and mustard are what set it apart from a cheese toastie, and a croque madame adds a fried egg on top.

Croque monsieur cut diagonally to show ham and melted cheese on a cream enamel plate with a thin green rim, surrounded by split birch logs

Ingredients

Serves 2

Béchamel sauce

15 g butter
1 tbsp plain flour
150 ml milk
A pinch of salt
A pinch of grated nutmeg

Sandwich

4 slices white sandwich bread
2 tsp Dijon mustard
4 slices cooked ham (about 100 g)
100 g grated Gruyère or Emmental
20 g butter, for frying

Method

Heat the oven to 225 °C. Melt the butter for the sauce in a small saucepan, whisk in the flour and gradually whisk in the milk. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and season with salt and nutmeg.
Spread mustard on two slices of bread, then a thin layer of béchamel. Top with the ham and half the cheese and cover with the remaining slices.
Melt the butter in an ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat and fry the sandwiches until golden, 2–3 minutes per side.
Spread the rest of the béchamel over the tops and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake near the top of the oven for 5–6 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and spotted brown.
Cut the sandwiches diagonally and serve straight away on plates, with a little extra Dijon mustard if you like.

Why it works

Béchamel inside and on top makes the sandwich creamy within and golden on the surface. The cream enamel plate with its green rim is sturdy for everyday use and lets the golden sandwich take centre stage.

FAQ

What is the difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame?

A croque madame is the same sandwich topped with a fried egg. A croque monsieur is served without the egg.

Which cheese is best for croque monsieur?

Gruyère is classic, but Emmental or Comté also work. Choose a mature cheese that melts well and has plenty of flavour.

Can I make croque monsieur without an oven?

Yes. Once you have turned the sandwich, spread the béchamel and cheese on top, cover with a lid and leave on a low heat for 3–4 minutes until melted. The top will not brown.