If you’re looking for a quick yet delightful meal for two, this easy Croque Monsieur recipe is just what you need! With its origins in Paris, this cozy ham and cheese sandwich brings a taste of France right to your kitchen. Made with creamy layers of cheese and ham, each bite is pure bliss. Let’s explore how to create this classic dish and uncover its charming backstory.

What is Croque Monsieur?

Pronounced ‘crock meu-syeu‘, the Croque Monsieur is a deliciously toasted French twist on the classic ham and cheese sandwich. This delectable dish has a storied history in Paris, with mentions dating back to the 1890s. Notably, the literary icon Marcel Proust recalled enjoying a Croque Monsieur with his grandmother in his famous novel ‘À l’ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs‘ (1919).

One of the most delightful anecdotes comes from Francois-Régis Gaudry, who tells the story of Michel Lunarca, a café owner in Paris. In 1910, when he ran out of baguettes while preparing his usual ‘Jambon-beurre‘ sandwich, he improvised with sandwich bread. He cleverly baked or pan-fried it to achieve that signature crunch (or ‘le croque‘). When his satisfied customers inquired about its content, he quipped, ‘De la viande de monsieur!’ (a man).

What’s in a Traditional Croque Monsieur?

The beauty of a Croque Monsieur lies in its simplicity. This classic sandwich traditionally combines sliced bread, ham, and a creamy Béchamel sauce, mixed with grated cheese for a rich and indulgent experience. To replicate the authentic Parisian taste, focus on the quality of the ingredients used.

• Bread: The ideal choice is ‘pain de mie‘ (French sliced white sandwich bread), preferably from a local bakery. Bread varieties such as ‘pain aux céréales‘ (wholegrain), or Pain Poilâne are also popular in Paris. You might even encounter a special Croque-Poilâne made with sourdough.
• Ham: Opt for quality ham from a butcher rather than pre-packaged supermarket options. The classic choice is ‘Jambon de Paris‘ for an authentic taste.
• Cheese: For that classic melt, use grated Emmental, Gruyère, or Comté cheese.
• Béchamel Sauce: While not mandatory for this quick version, using a traditional Béchamel sauce will elevate the sandwich if you’re making it for a larger group.

How to Make Croque Monsieur: Easy Recipe for 2

Let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that brings the taste of Paris to your table!

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thin sandwich bread
• 100 g (3½ oz) thick crème fraîche or Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon French mustard
• A good pinch of grated nutmeg
• A good pinch of ground black pepper
• Salt (fleur de sel)
• 4 slices of quality thin ham (Jambon de Paris)
• 100 g (3½ oz) grated Emmental cheese (or Comté or Gruyère)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F), or 180°C for fan-assisted ovens. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment.
2. Prepare the creamy spread: In a mixing bowl, combine crème fraîche, mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread half of the creamy mixture on two slices of bread. Make sure to cover right to the edges. Place two slices of ham on each, then add another slice of bread on top.
4. Add the cheese: Mix the grated cheese into the remaining creamy mixture and spread generously on top of both sandwiches. Add a little extra ground pepper if desired.
5. Bake: Place the sandwiches on the baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy to your liking.

This recipe is a quick version for a delightful lunch or light dinner for two. If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider making the traditional Béchamel sauce for extra creaminess!

Quick Version Alternative:

If you’re in a real pinch for time, you can substitute with Vache qui Rit® (Laughing Cow cheese) for a speedy version. It’s surprising how delicious it can be!

Croque Monsieur vs. Croque Madame

To make a Croque Madame, simply add a fried egg on top of the sandwich before serving. The silky yolk offers a luxurious contrast to the crispy sandwich below.

Where to Find Some of the Best in Paris

• Sébastien Gaudard: Known for his award-winning Croque Monsieur, using Japanese white sandwich bread (‘pain de mie‘). Located near the Louvre.
• Maison Mulot: Found on rue de Seine, known for excellent pastries and savory dishes.
• Fric-Frac: Offers a unique cereal sandwich bread crafted by champion baker Frédéric Lalos in both the 10th and 18th arrondissements.
• Don’t miss the Croque Poilâne from le Moulin de la Vièrge: Located in the 2nd arrondissement near Place des Victoires.

How to Serve

In France, the Croque Monsieur is often served alongside a simple green salad, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You might also find it paired with les frites (French fries) for that extra indulgence. Who wouldn’t want a bite of that?