How to Make the Best Croque Monsieur, France’s Decadent Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

France's croque monsieur, a bistro favorite, is a decadent melding of melted cheese, salty ham, and creamy béchamel sauce

The “croque monsieur” is filled with Paris ham and French hard mountain cheese, grilled to perfection, then covered with a creamy béchamel sauce and finished under the broiler. Audrey Le Goff

A French bistro classic, the infamous “croque monsieur” is a sandwich filled with Paris ham and French hard mountain cheese, grilled to perfection, then covered with a creamy béchamel sauce and finished under the broiler. Think of it as the French take on grilled cheese, only way more decadent.

Just like a sandwich, assembling a croque monsieur is nothing complicated. This recipe is truly a breeze to recreate at home and one that will please the whole family. But this isn’t your typical grilled cheese. What is important here is to choose each component of your croque monsieur wisely. So here are a few recommendations for building a great and authentic tasting sandwich—even outside of France.