If you have ever dreamed of biting into a sandwich that boasts a perfect golden crust, creamy layers of béchamel sauce, nutty Gruyère cheese melting inside, and tender slices of shaved ham, then you are in for a treat with this Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe. This French sandwich is an elevated comfort food that checks every box for rich flavor, satisfying texture, and a bit of elegance to brighten up an ordinary meal. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner, this recipe brings that authentic Parisian café charm right into your kitchen.

Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role—from the creamy béchamel to the crusty bread—creating a symphony of flavors and textures that meld beautifully together.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for creating the rich roux base of your béchamel sauce, adding silkiness and depth.
3 tablespoons flour: Combines with butter to thicken the béchamel into that luscious, creamy texture.
2 bay leaves: Infuses the béchamel sauce with a subtle herbal note that lifts the flavor profile.
1 ½ cups whole milk: The creamy body of your béchamel sauce, providing richness and smoothness.
¾ tablespoon whole-grain mustard: Adds a slight tang and complexity to the béchamel, balancing the richness.
¾ tablespoon Dijon mustard: Heightens the sharpness and enhances the savory layers in the sauce.
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: A pinch of warm spice that complements the cheese and béchamel perfectly.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: To season the béchamel and tie the flavors together.
1 country-style French bread boule (cut into eight ½-inch thick slices): The sturdy yet tender bread foundation that crisps up beautifully while holding all the fillings.
½ pound deli ham, shaved or sliced thin: Provides savory, meaty layers that pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese and sauce.
1 ½ cups grated Gruyère: This nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cheese gives the croque monsieur its iconic gooey interior and golden crust.
1 ½ teaspoons herbes de Provence: Sprinkled on top for that extra fragrant, herbal finish that makes the dish uniquely French.

How to Make Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

Start by melting the butter gently over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture turns golden and fragrant—this is your roux developing a delicious nutty flavor. Add the bay leaves, then gradually whisk in the whole milk, smoothing out any lumps. Let the sauce cook gently as you whisk occasionally for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a consistency similar to Alfredo sauce. Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the mustards, freshly grated nutmeg, and salt. This creamy béchamel is the soul of the sandwich and can be made ahead and refrigerated, just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap directly on its surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out your bread slices on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce on one side of each slice—this will ensure every bite is rich and velvety. On four of the slices, sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère followed by an even layer of shaved ham. Top these with the remaining four slices, béchamel side up. Next, sprinkle the rest of the Gruyère on top along with the herbes de Provence. This layering is key for that melty, golden perfection both inside and out.

Step 3: Bake and Broil

Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles with golden spots forming. For that perfect finishing touch that crisps and browns the top cheesily, switch the oven to broil on low and broil for 1 minute. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Allow the sandwiches to cool for a few minutes before slicing—it helps the flavors marry and keeps the cheese from oozing out too quickly.

How to Serve Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or a light dusting of additional herbes de Provence can add an aromatic freshness that contrasts delightfully with the richness of the sandwich. A little cracked black pepper on top can also awaken the flavors.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs beautifully with light and crisp sides such as a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or a classic French tomato soup to complement the creamy texture of the croque monsieur.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or appetizer spread, consider cutting the sandwiches into smaller triangles and skewering them with toothpicks alongside cherry tomato and olive bites. Alternatively, plating with a drizzle of Dijon mustard or herbed béchamel alongside can make for a stunning presentation that invites you to dip and savor every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover croque monsieur sandwiches are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the béchamel sauce luscious, cover it tightly with plastic wrap on its surface before chilling.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled, unbaked sandwiches by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, laying them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the cold or thawed sandwiches in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese bubbles anew. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and the béchamel separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe?

Gruyère is the traditional cheese here for its nutty flavor and excellent melting qualities, but you can substitute with Emmental or a mild Swiss cheese if needed. Just avoid overly strong or crumbly cheeses to maintain the perfect melty texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a flavorful vegetarian version that still celebrates the creamy béchamel and cheesy crust.

How far in advance can I prepare the béchamel sauce?

You can make the béchamel sauce up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just remember to cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.

What if I don’t have herbes de Provence?

Feel free to substitute with a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano if you don’t have herbes de Provence on hand. This will maintain the aromatic, herbal touch that complements the sandwich beautifully.

Can I make the sandwiches gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free bread slices and ensuring the flour used in your béchamel sauce is a gluten-free variety, such as rice flour or a gluten-free blend, you can adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe is a truly delightful way to bring a little French café magic into your home kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet remains approachable, perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary on any day. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this warm, cheesy, perfectly sauced sandwich time and time again.

Classic Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe