Description
A classic French Croque Monsieur recipe featuring layers of savory ham and melted Gruyère cheese between buttery toasted bread, finished with a crispy Parmesan topping for comforting homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices sliced bread (sourdough or brioche recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter (generously spread)
Fillings
- 4 slices ham (Black Forest or smoked ham)
- 4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 pinch nutmeg (for added flavor)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by selecting your favorite sliced bread and lay out the slices on a clean surface to assemble your sandwiches.
- Butter the Bread: Generously spread butter on one side of each bread slice. This will help achieve a golden crisp when cooked.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of ham on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices. Top each with a slice of Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Optionally, spread Dijon mustard and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on the ham before adding cheese for extra flavor.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese to form sandwiches.
- Cook on Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bread turns golden brown.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the sandwiches with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is crispy and the cheese has melted inside.
- Optional Broiling: For an extra crispy top, transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Using sourdough or brioche bread enhances the texture and flavor of the sandwich.
- Gruyère cheese provides the best authentic flavor, but Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
- Dijon mustard and nutmeg add a subtle depth of flavor—feel free to omit if preferred.
- Broiling with Parmesan topping is optional but recommended for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Ensure the skillet is at medium heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
