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Croque Monsieur is similar to a Monte Cristo and another FAVORITE!

While a Monte Cristo is a ham and cheese sandwich dipped in an egg batter, deep fried, and topped with powdered sugar, a Croque Monsieur is more like a fancy grilled hot ham and cheese sandwich using French toast. It’s savory and melty on the inside, with a golden, crispy outside.

And it’s still SO easy to make! Just assemble the sandwich, dip it in a milk and egg mixture (almost like French toast!), and fry it in butter just like you would grilled cheese. Easy, right? This is one next-level sandwich!

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • An amped up grilled cheese. This sandwich has a few more steps than grilled cheese, but is still just as easy with TONS of extra flavor!
  • Ready in a flash. While it feels fancy, a Croque Monsieur comes together in only 15 minutes, making it a perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
  • Comfort food bliss. It’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying – like a grown-up grilled cheese that’s been to Paris and back.

Croque Monsieur Ingredients and Substitutions

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard We prefer Dijon for the most classic flavor. 
  • 8 slices firm white bread The key is that it can hold up to dipping and frying without becoming too soggy. We like sourdough, brioche, or even a thick-cut sandwich bread.
  • 4 slices swiss cheese Gruyere is another classic choice, or add parmesan cheese.
  • 8 slices deli ham Use any flavor of ham, like black forest or smoked ham, or leftover ham. 
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 whole eggs – room temperature
  • ½ cup milk Whole milk will give the richest coat, but 2% or less can be used. 
  • extra seasoning – Sprinkle the top with Herbes de Provence, thyme, nutmeg, salt, or black pepper.

How to Make Croque Monsieur

  1. ASSEMBLE. Mix the mayo and mustard in a small bowl. Spread onto 4 bread slices. Add cheese and slices of ham to each bread slice. Place the other slice of bread on top of the ham.
    • Meanwhile, whisk eggs and milk in a pie plate until well blended. Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat.
    • Dip each sandwich in egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
  2. FRY. Place in a buttered pan and fry until golden brown on both sides (a few minutes on each side).
  • We make sure all sides of the bread are coated with the milk mixture, but not soaked, otherwise the sandwich will get soggy.
  • The key to a perfectly warm and crisp sandwich is using a sturdy bread like sourdough, brioche, or even a thick-cut sandwich bread.
  • Mini sandwiches can be made using baguette bread.
  • To make a Croque Madame, prepare as directed and then top the fried sandwich with a sunny-side up egg, preferably with a runny yolk.

Air Fry Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375-400°F.
  2. Prepare the sandwiches as directed, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, then broil on each side for about 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. 
5 from 18 votes

Croque Monsieur Recipe

Croque Monsieur is not your typical ham and cheese sandwich! It has dijon mustard, an egg coating, and is fried for a hot and melty dish.
Servings: 4
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 8 slices firm white bread
  • 4 slices swiss cheese
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions 

  • Mix mayo and mustard in a small bowl. Spread onto 4 bread slices. Add cheese and ham to each bread slice. Place the other slice of bread on top of the ham.
  • Meanwhile, whisk eggs and milk in a pie plate until well blended.
  • Place butter in a skillet and melt.
  • Dip each sandwich in egg mixture (make sure all sides are coated), then place in buttered pan. Fry until golden brown on both sides (a few minutes on each side).

Video

Notes

Recipe tips.
  • We make sure all sides of the bread are coated with the milk mixture, but not soaked, otherwise the sandwich will get soggy.
  • The key to a perfectly warm and crisp sandwich is using a sturdy bread like sourdough, brioche, or even a thick-cut sandwich bread.
  • Mini sandwiches can be made using baguette bread.
  • To make a Croque Madame, prepare as directed and then top the fried sandwich with a freshly fried egg, preferably with a runny yolk.
Air fryer directions. Preheat the oven to 375-400°F. Prepare the sandwiches as directed, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, then broil on each side for about 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. 
Prep ahead of time. You can assemble the sandwiches the day before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, whisk the milk and egg, dip the sandwiches, and fry.
Store leftovers in a Ziploc or wrap in tin foil. Keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven, toaster oven, skillet, or if you’re in a hurry, use the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 614kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 42g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 221mg, Sodium: 1219mg, Potassium: 325mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 815IU, Calcium: 412mg, Iron: 2.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to keep a batch warm?

Set the oven to its lowest temperature, not more than 200°F. As you grill the sandwiches, place them on the warm baking sheet in a single layer. They can be kept warm for up to 20 minutes.

Prep ahead of time?

We don’t suggest fully making these ahead of time, however, you can assemble the sandwiches the day before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, whisk the milk and egg, dip the sandwiches, and fry.

How to store?

Store leftovers in a Ziploc or wrap in tin foil. Keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven, toaster oven, skillet, or if you’re in a hurry, use the microwave.

This recipe was originally published February 2021.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 18 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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19 Comments

  1. Melissa says:

    5 stars
    My kids are in love with your recipe! I’ll have to agree it is delicious!

  2. Agnes says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! The dijon adds a perfect zing to the sandwich.

  3. Dalila says:

    5 stars
    Trying tomorrow for brunch!

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      Let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear!

  4. Walter says:

    5 stars
    Oh so yummy , the alternate comfort food -Grilled ham n cheese with Tomato basil soup Yum !!!
    I tried an add in , I sliced some apple and it was yummy with smoked Gouda cheese also.
    Thanks for the recipe.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing what you did.

  5. Amy Huntley says:

    5 stars
    What a fun recipe to try instead of the regular grilled cheese!

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