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 it 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 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
- mayonnaise (3 tablespoons)
- dijon mustard (2 teaspoons)- We prefer Dijon for the most classic flavor.
- firm white bread (8 slices)- 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.
- Swiss cheese (4 slices) – Gruyere is another classic choice, or add Parmesan cheese.
- deli ham (8 slices) – Use any flavor of ham, like black forest or smoked ham, or leftover ham.
- butter (4 tablespoons)
- eggs (3 whole)- room temperature
- milk (½ cup) – 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
- 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.
- FRY. Place in a buttered pan and fry until golden brown on both sides (a few minutes on each side).
Kristyn’s 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 sunny-side up egg, preferably with a runny yolk.
Air Fry 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.
Croque Monsieur Recipe
Video
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).
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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This recipe was originally published February 2021.
My kids are in love with your recipe! I’ll have to agree it is delicious!
Delicious! The dijon adds a perfect zing to the sandwich.
Trying tomorrow for brunch!
Let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear!
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.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing what you did.
What a fun recipe to try instead of the regular grilled cheese!
This takes your ham & cheese sandwich up a level for sure!! Tried frying it & loved the crispy top & bottom. The mustard spread adds a lot of flavor!
The mustard coating really makes a difference! Nice twist to classic grilled cheese
We have never tried these baked. I love the crispy bread and the yummy cheese and ham. We will be making these more often this summer.
Love what baking or frying does to this sandwich! I need to do this every time!
There is no better way to eat a sandwich! We love these baked over being fried, but they are delicious either way!
A great litlle sandwich made with this yummy coating on the outside. A step up from a regular sandwich.
I’m going to have to try this for lunch soon! Grilled cheese is one of my go-to’s when I don’t know what to make, so next time before I just do the traditional grilled cheese I’m going to do this instead!
The instructions indicate that the sandwiches are to be baked at 450° without first giving them the kiss of the stovetop, which I found to be unusual. I wonder,…if the oven wasn’t so screaming hot, would it be possible to make this an oven-only recipe? My Croque Monsieur recipe is slightly different than yours, and it is successfully accomplished on only the stovetop. Comments?
[FYI: I am NOT actually typing this text in all-caps, however, that is how it is
appearing in THIS TEXT BOX. I TRIED TYPING MY COMMENT IN ANOTHER PROGRAM
USING TRADITIONAL upper and lower case letters and I cut & pasted it here,
yet it STILL is ALL-CAPS HERE. WEIRD! I’ll hit POST COMMENT now and we will
all see what happens!]
Hmm..I haven’t tried any other way. I will have to experiment.
Hi Kristyn! What temperature should the sandwiches be baked at?
hey girl- this sandwich looks amazing! yummy! I used to live in Bay City, TX ( 32 years ago ha time flies by so fast) South of Houston . Maybe you have heard of it . Y’all have a great weekend!!
Thanks Shawna & yes, I have 🙂 Let me know what you think, if you give it a try!