French Ham and Cheese Sandwich (Croque Monsieur & Croque Madame)
♥ [Newlywed’s Table] Elegant French Ham and Cheese Sandwich at Home
Introducing the French Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, known for their crispy texture and rich cheese flavor! This elegant sandwich, a specialty from Yoonvely’s kitchen, is perfect for a delightful brunch or a special occasion. Enjoy a sophisticated meal at home with this foolproof recipe.
Main Ingredients- 4 slices of bread
- 2 slices of cheese
- 2-6 slices of ham (adjust to taste)
- 2 handfuls of mozzarella cheese (approx. 80g)
- 1 egg (for Croque Madame)
- A pinch of parsley flakes
Creamy Béchamel Sauce- 1 Tbsp butter (approx. 15g)
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (approx. 15g)
- 200ml milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- A dash of pepper
- 1 Tbsp butter (approx. 15g)
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (approx. 15g)
- 200ml milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- A dash of pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’ll be making a delightful French-style toast, the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, using just ham and cheese. It’s simple yet incredibly delicious!
Step 2
★ Making the Creamy Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1 Tbsp of butter over low heat. Add 1 Tbsp of flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth white roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in 200ml of milk (cold or room temperature is fine), whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and continue whisking until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency, coating the back of a spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. The sauce should be thick but pourable.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the bread. Spread a generous layer of the freshly made béchamel sauce onto one side of each slice of bread using a spoon or a pastry brush. This sauce will add a wonderful richness and moisture to the sandwich.
Step 4
On top of the sauce-covered bread, place 1 slice of ham, or layer 2-3 slices if you prefer a heartier sandwich. The savory ham is a key component of the sandwich’s flavor.
Step 5
Next, add one slice of cheese on top of the ham. This will melt beautifully and help bind the layers together.
Step 6
Place the other slice of bread on top, sauce-side down. Spread another generous layer of béchamel sauce on the top slice of the assembled sandwich. Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. For a touch of color and aroma, dust lightly with parsley flakes.
Step 7
Place the prepared sandwich into an air fryer preheated to 180°C (350°F). Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also bake this in an oven or cook it in a skillet.
Step 8
Voila! Your perfectly golden-brown Croque Monsieur is ready, with its irresistible melted cheese pull!
Step 9
For the Croque Madame, simply top the finished sandwich with a perfectly fried egg, letting the runny yolk cascade down. This adds an extra layer of richness and indulgence.
Step 10
The Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are truly crowd-pleasers. Highly recommended as a sophisticated brunch option or for any special meal. Enjoy your delicious homemade French sandwich!
