Need a fast, family-friendly meal everyone loves? This authentic croque-monsieur recipe, handed down from my Parisian grandmother since 1910, is perfect.
No fancy sandwich maker required—just a frying pan for a crispy, melty treat.
1. Spread the slices of bread on the work surface.
2. Use the knife to butter all the slices.
3. Divide the pieces of Gruyère over 4 of the 8 slices of bread.
4. Place half a slice of ham on top.
5. Close the croque-monsieur by putting the buttered slices on top.
6. Melt a little butter in the pan.
7. Put two croque-monsieur in it at a time.
8. Brown them on one side for two to three minutes.
9. Turn them over and brown them on the other side.
10. Once nicely browned and crispy, remove the croque-monsieur and keep warm.
11. Do the same with the other two croque-monsieur.
12. Serve immediately hot.
Delicious, melty, and crispy croque-monsieur ready to enjoy! Easy, quick, and budget-friendly.
Pair with onions, pickles, or a simple green salad. Kids adore it—perfect for busy evenings or movie nights with family and friends.
Fun fact: The first croque-monsieur debuted in a Paris café on Boulevard des Capucines in 1910, becoming a beloved quick bite ever since.
- Take out the butter in advance to make it easier to spread.
- Use a spatula to flip and avoid burns.
- Grill in the oven, turning halfway. Find out how here.
- Add béchamel sauce for extra indulgence. Discover the béchamel recipe here.
- Variations: Top with a fried egg for croque à cheval, pineapple for Hawaiian style, Auvergne blue cheese for a regional twist, or tomato for croque-madame.
- Use a croque-monsieur maker if preferred, and clean it easily with this trick.
If you love croque-monsieur recipes, check out this book of sweet and savory variations.
