Fridge Friend recipes
Classic Ham and Cheese Croque Monsieur recipe
A golden baked ham and cheese sandwich with a creamy mustard-scented sauce and crisp, bubbling top. Rich, comforting, and ideal for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
25 min · Easy · French Jump to method
Ingredients
- 4 slices Bread
- 4 slices Cooked ham
- 100g Gruyère cheese
- 250ml Milk
- 20g Margarine
- 20g Plain flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
| Nutrition | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 655 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated fat | 21 g |
| Fibre | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 1350 mg |
Why this works
A rich, energy-dense sandwich with good protein and calcium, but high in saturated fat and sodium, so best enjoyed occasionally rather than as an everyday choice.
Protein-rich. Ham, Gruyère and milk provide a substantial protein contribution, supporting satiety and muscle repair.
Calcium source. Gruyère cheese and milk contribute meaningful calcium for bone health, though they also raise saturated fat.
High sodium. Cooked ham and cheese make this dish relatively salty, which may be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure.
Method
- Heat the oven to 220°C (Fan 200°C, 428°F, Gas Mark 7) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Melt the margarine in a small saucepan, then stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Stir in the Dijon mustard and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
- Place two slices of bread on the tray, top each with cooked ham and a little grated Gruyère cheese, then sandwich with the remaining bread.
- Spoon the cheese sauce over the top of each sandwich and scatter over the remaining Gruyère cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbling and golden, then serve hot.
Other Cheese Recipes
Baked Eggs in Ham Cups with Cheese
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55 min · A rich, comforting savoury bread pudding packed with smoky chorizo, cooked ham and melted cheese. The custardy bread base bakes into a golden, satisfying dish that works brilliantly for brunch or a simple supper.
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