Mary Berry Croque Monsieur

This delicious Croque Monsieur by Mary Berry is a quick and simple meal that’s perfect for lunch or a snack. With its creamy cheese sauce and crispy top, it’s a comforting treat. Feel free to use any ham and cheese you have on hand for a flexible and satisfying dish!

This Croque Monsieur Recipe Is From Simple Comforts Cookbook by Mary Berry

Ingredients Needed:

• 50g butter
• 4 medium slices of white bread
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 thin slices of smoked ham
• 100g Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated
• 15g plain flour
• 150ml hot full-fat milk
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Cook Croque Monsieur:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to a medium setting and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Toast the Bread: Melt half the butter in a small saucepan. Brush the melted butter over one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread on the baking sheet, buttered side up, and grill for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Turn the bread over and spread the unbuttered side with Dijon mustard. On two slices, layer two slices of ham and top with 50g (2oz) of grated cheese. Cover with the remaining slices of bread, toasted side up, to form two sandwiches.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour for a few seconds. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Once the sauce thickens, remove from heat and stir in a pinch of nutmeg and 25g (1oz) of the cheese. Season well; this will create a thick cheese sauce.
5. Grill the Sandwiches: Spread the cheese sauce over the top of both sandwiches and sprinkle with the remaining 25g (1oz) of cheese. Return the sandwiches to the grill for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
6. Serve: Allow the sandwiches to cool for a few seconds before slicing in half. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Croque Monsieur!

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavour, choose fresh bread and high-quality ham and cheese. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste.
• Don’t Overfill the Sandwiches: Be careful not to add too much filling, as it can make the sandwiches difficult to grill and eat. A thin layer of ham and cheese works best.
• Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously to avoid lumps. A smooth sauce ensures even coverage and a delicious finish.
• Monitor the Grill: Keep an eye on the sandwiches while grilling. They can burn quickly. If they start to brown too fast, lower the grill setting.
• Let It Cool Slightly: Allow the sandwiches to cool for a minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set a little, making it easier to eat without spilling.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Croque Monsieur cool down to room temperature. After that, put the sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap leftover Croque Monsieur well in foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. They will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before serving or reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover Croque Monsieur in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warm and cheesy. Alternatively, use a microwave for 30-second intervals, but this may soften the bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 sandwich

• Calories: 800
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 2290mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 116g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 18g

Try More Mary Berry Recipes:

• Mary Berry Scrambled Egg and Bacon Tartlets
• Mary Berry Spinach Quiche
• Mary Berry Frittata
• Mary Berry Welsh Rarebit
• Mary Berry Ciabatta Tricolore