Description
This oven-baked ham and cheese sandwich features crispy bread, melty cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, making it a deliciously comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices thick sliced white bread, brioche, or sourdough (Choose sturdy bread)
- 8 oz deli ham or leftover baked ham, thin to medium sliced
- 8 oz Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded (Use cheese that melts well)
- 2 tbsp softened butter (For spreading on bread)
- 1 cup whole milk or 2 percent milk (Whole milk adds richness)
- 2 tbsp flour (For thickening the sauce)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (Optional, for spreading inside)
- to taste salt and pepper (Use sparingly due to ham and cheese)
- pinch nutmeg (Optional, for flavoring the sauce)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until it smells toasty.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and keep whisking until it thickens, about 2 to 4 minutes. Add a pinch of pepper and nutmeg if desired. Taste and adjust salt.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lay out 4 slices of bread. Spread softened butter on the outside of each slice. Flip two slices and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if using.
- Layer with ham and shredded Gruyere (or Swiss) cheese. Top with the other two slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
Bake and Finish
- Place sandwiches on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 6 minutes, carefully flip, and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spoon a generous layer of sauce over each sandwich, then sprinkle more cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 3 to 6 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 30 to 60 seconds for extra browning, but do not walk away.
Notes
For perfect Croque Monsieur, use thick bread, shred your own cheese if possible, and monitor the sauce’s thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Brunch, Lunch
- Cuisine: French