Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsUnion League CafeCroque Monsieur Recipe

Croque Monsieur Recipe

Inspired by Union League Cafe
Time30m
Serves4

bistro ham, béchamel, Comté cheese, served with a green salad and cornichons

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Ingredients

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For the Croque Monsieur

For the Béchamel Sauce

For Serving

Method

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

  1. 1

    Make the Roux

    In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid browning.

  2. 2

    Add the Milk

    Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Season the Sauce

    Stir in the grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Croque Monsieur

  1. 4

    Butter the Bread

    Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. The buttered side will be on the outside of the sandwich.

  2. 5

    Layer Ingredients

    On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer the bistro ham, a generous spoonful of béchamel sauce, and shredded Comté cheese. Top with the other four slices of bread, buttered side out.

Cook the Sandwiches

  1. 6

    Grill the Sandwiches

    In a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, place the sandwiches and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

  2. 7

    Melt the Cheese

    Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melting, remove the sandwiches from the heat and place them on a cutting board.

Serve

  1. 8

    Slice and Plate

    Cut each sandwich in half diagonally, and serve with a side of mixed green salad and cornichons.

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