A Note on This Recipe
A Croque Monsieur looks like a ham and cheese sandwich — but the béchamel sauce is what puts it in a completely different category.
That creamy layer coats the bread and melts together with the cheese as it bakes, giving you something much richer and more satisfying than your average toastie. The good news is you don’t need a stovetop or a block of Gruyère to make it work — this version uses a quick microwave béchamel and an easy cheese blend, and it comes together in about 20 minutes.
About the Ingredients
Choice of Bread
Traditional Croque Monsieur uses pain de mie, a soft, pillowy French sandwich bread that lets everything come together in one soft bite. But depending on the loaf, it doesn’t always hold its structure once the béchamel and cheese are layered on. I found white country bread hits a good balance: soft enough to eat easily, but sturdy enough to hold everything together.
Choice of Cheese
Gruyère is the classic choice, and a Gruyère-Emmental blend is common in French bistros — Emmental is essentially what’s sold as “Swiss cheese” here, so a Gruyère and Swiss blend is close to that same combination, just more affordable and easier to find.
Béchamel Sauce
Béchamel is a simple white sauce made from a butter-flour roux whisked with milk — it’s what turns a ham and cheese sandwich into a Croque Monsieur. Making it usually means standing over a pot, but for a single portion, the microwave gets you there just as well. A minute or so of stirring is all it takes. For larger batches, the stovetop method is recommended for optimal results.
How to Make It
Microwave Béchamel Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together all béchamel sauce ingredients except the butter until smooth and lump-free. Add the butter and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly, then return to the microwave and cook for another 20–30 seconds. Stir vigorously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Layer the Bottom Slice
Spread a thick layer of béchamel on the bottom slice, then top with ham slices and a generous amount of the cheese blend.
Layer the Top Slice
Top with the second bread slice, then spread another thick layer of béchamel on top and cover with more cheese.
Bake & Serve
Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the sandwich on the upper rack and bake for 6–8 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.
For extra browning on top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes. Cut in half and serve immediately.
Optional: Croque Madame
While the sandwich bakes, prepare a fried egg. Once the Croque Monsieur is golden and the cheese melted, place the fried egg on top and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup half-and-half or whole milk
- ½ Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp onion powder or a small piece of onion
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 slices country white bread
- Shredded Gruyère and Swiss cheese blend
- Deli ham slices
Instructions
- Whisk the béchamel ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until thick and creamy, stirring halfway.
- Spread béchamel on bread, layer with ham and cheese, then top with another slice.
- Spread more béchamel over the top and finish with additional cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until melted and lightly golden. Serve immediately.
Watch the Recipe
Notes
- Béchamel sauce: this microwave method works well for small amounts. For larger batches, the stovetop method is recommended for optimal results.
- Use good-quality ham and a melty cheese like Gruyère or Swiss for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers are best enjoyed the same day, as the béchamel can make the bread soggy if stored too long.
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