Croque Monsieur (Full Size or Bite-Sized)

“A French classic, made for any occasion—crispy, creamy, and utterly irresistible in both bite-sized and full-sized versions.”
Thomy

The Story Behind Croque Monsieur

The Croque Monsieur is a quintessential French bistro dish that originated in Paris in the early 20th century. It’s said that the sandwich became popular in the cafes around the city after it was accidentally invented by a cafe owner who placed a piece of cheese and ham between two slices of bread and toasted it. The name “croque” comes from the French verb croquer, meaning “to crunch,” reflecting the satisfying crispy texture. Over time, this simple but delicious creation evolved, often served with a béchamel sauce to make it even richer and more indulgent, becoming the beloved Croque Monsieur known today.

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About The Recipe

The Croque Monsieur consists of grilled bread, ham, gruyère cheese, and a rich béchamel sauce. Traditionally, it’s a full-sized sandwich, but for added versatility, this recipe can be served as bite-sized pieces—perfect for snacking or sharing. The Thomy Twist adds an elegant touch: prosciutto replaces regular ham for a more delicate flavor, and the béchamel sauce is infused with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, adding a refined depth to the dish.

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Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices of Pain de Mie (or soft, square sandwich loaf)
• 4 slices of prosciutto (for Thomy Twist; substitute for ham)
• 200g gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (for Thomy Twist)

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Instructions

1. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and a small handful of fresh thyme or rosemary. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Croque Monsieur:
   • For full-size sandwiches: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, layer with prosciutto and a generous amount of grated gruyère cheese.
   • Spoon a small amount of béchamel sauce onto the ham and cheese layer, then top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
   • For bite-sized pieces: Follow the same process but use mini bread slices or cut the full-size sandwiches into quarters after assembling.
3. Cook the Croque Monsieur:
   • For full-size sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and toast each sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • For bite-sized pieces: Pan-fry the mini sandwiches or bite-sized pieces until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Serve:
   • Full-size: Serve as a complete sandwich with a side salad or pickles.
   • Bite-sized: Serve on a platter, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese.

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Thomy Twist

For a refined touch, substitute the ham with thin slices of prosciutto and add fresh thyme or rosemary to the béchamel for an aromatic lift. These small changes elevate the classic Croque Monsieur, adding sophistication without altering the essence of the dish.

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Elevate the Experience

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Why You’ll Love This

Whether you go for the full-size version for a hearty meal or the bite-sized pieces for an elegant appetizer, these Croque Monsieurs are indulgent, creamy, and perfectly crispy. The rich béchamel and melted cheese blend beautifully with the savory prosciutto and fresh herbs, making this dish a French classic that will delight anyone at the table.