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Craving an extra cheesy hot ham and cheese sandwich? Try this Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame recipe for a shortcut to the classic sandwich found at French bistros.  Follow these simple instructions for how to make a Croque Monsieur, or add an egg on top for a Croque Madame. 
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Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame - How to Make a Croque Monsieur

Craving an extra cheesy hot ham and cheese sandwich? Try this Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame recipe for a shortcut to the classic sandwich found at French bistros.  Follow these simple instructions for how to make a Croque Monsieur, or add an egg on top for a Croque Madame. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Keyword: croque madame, croque monsieur with egg on top, easy croque monsieur or madame, how to make a croque monsieur, shortcut croque monsieur
Servings: 1 sandwich
Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or Gruyere)
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 slices thick white bread (more firm version)
  • 2 - 4 slices deli ham

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream and shredded cheese until it melts. Whisk together.
    Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame - How to Make a Croque Monsieur
  • Heat butter in skillet.
    Craving an extra cheesy hot ham and cheese sandwich? Try this Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame recipe for a shortcut to the classic sandwich found at French bistros.  Follow these simple instructions for how to make a Croque Monsieur, or add an egg on top for a Croque Madame. 
  • Arrange slice of bread in hot skillet. Arrange deli ham on top of bread.
    Craving an extra cheesy hot ham and cheese sandwich? Try this Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame recipe for a shortcut to the classic sandwich found at French bistros.  Follow these simple instructions for how to make a Croque Monsieur, or add an egg on top for a Croque Madame. 
  • Pour cheese mixture over top the ham. It is ok if it leaks out.
    Craving an extra cheesy hot ham and cheese sandwich? Try this Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame recipe for a shortcut to the classic sandwich found at French bistros.  Follow these simple instructions for how to make a Croque Monsieur, or add an egg on top for a Croque Madame. 
  • Top with second slice of bread. For extra brown bread on top, add a little bit more butter on top.
    Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame - How to Make a Croque Monsieur
  • Flip, and brown the second side.
    Craving an extra cheesy hot ham and cheese sandwich? Try this Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame recipe for a shortcut to the classic sandwich found at French bistros.  Follow these simple instructions for how to make a Croque Monsieur, or add an egg on top for a Croque Madame. 
  • Add a cooked egg on top, if desired.
  • Eat with a fork and knife.
    Craving an extra cheesy hot ham and cheese sandwich? Try this Easy Croque Monsieur or Madame recipe for a shortcut to the classic sandwich found at French bistros.  Follow these simple instructions for how to make a Croque Monsieur, or add an egg on top for a Croque Madame. 

Notes

  • Shredded Swiss, Gruyere or even Emmental cheese (traditional French cheese) works best.
  • Heavy cream is used, but in a bind half and half would work. You might need to cook it down a bit in the saucepan.
  • Use as little or as much deli ham as you like.
  • It's ok if the béchamel sauce leaks out the side of the sandwich into the skillet. It has a way of slightly browning and binding onto the bread that's delicious.
  • These sandwich is messy; it's best to eat with a fork and knife.
  • Love French recipes?  Try French Dinner Salad recipe.