Description
The Croque Monsieur is a French café classic, but what is its American name? While there is no exact translation, the closest equivalents are the grilled ham and cheese sandwich and the Monte Cristo. This recipe takes inspiration from both, offering a crispy, melty, and satisfying sandwich with an American twist. Perfect for lunch, brunch, or a quick dinner, this dish brings the best of French and American flavors together in one bite.
Ingredients
For the American Croque Monsieur
White bread (or brioche for a richer taste) – 2 slices
Ham (smoked or honey-glazed) – 2 slices
Swiss or cheddar cheese – ½ cup (grated or sliced)
Butter (for grilling) – 2 tbsp
Dijon mustard (optional) – 1 tsp
Mayonnaise (optional, for added crispiness) – 1 tbsp
For a Monte Cristo Variation
Eggs – 2
Milk – ¼ cup
Powdered sugar – for dusting (optional)
Jam (strawberry or raspberry) – for dipping (optional)
Instructions
Lay two slices of bread on a flat surface and spread Dijon mustard on one slice if desired
Layer ham and cheese on top of the mustard
Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich
Spread butter on the outside of both bread slices
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and place the sandwich in the pan
Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy
For extra crispiness, transfer the sandwich to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes
Slice and serve warm
Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow bowl
Dip the entire sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides
Heat a pan over medium heat and melt butter
Fry the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy
Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve with jam for dipping
Notes
For a crunchier sandwich, mix butter with mayonnaise before spreading it on the bread
Use Gruyère or Emmental for a more authentic French-style version
Cover the pan while grilling to help the cheese melt faster
For a Croque Madame variation, top with a fried or poached egg before serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried & Baked
- Cuisine: American / French Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal (Monte Cristo: 700 kcal)
- Sugar: 3g (Monte Cristo: 8g)
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: American name for Croque Monsieur, Monte Cristo sandwich, Grilled ham and cheese, Croque Monsieur alternative