It rides on the bechamel. Cook the flour and butter into a blond roux for a couple of minutes before the milk goes in, or the sauce tastes raw and pasty under the broiled Gruyere. A real country loaf and a nutty melting cheese carry the rest.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineFrench
Cost$$
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for2servings
Country bread
A sturdy loaf that holds up under sauce; sliced thick.
Cook the rouxMelt butter, whisk in the flour, and cook two minutes to a blond paste. Cooking out the flour now is what keeps the sauce from tasting chalky.
Build the bechamelStream in warm milk whisking constantly until it thickens to a coating sauce, then melt in a handful of Gruyere and a scrape of nutmeg.
AssembleLayer ham and cheese between the bread, griddle both sides in butter until golden, then top the sandwich with a thick blanket of bechamel and more cheese.
Broil the topRun it under a hot broiler until the top bubbles and browns in spots. Watch it, it goes from gold to burnt fast.
Can you make Croque Monsieur in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Croque Monsieur? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Croque Monsieur ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Croque Monsieur gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Croque Monsieur vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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