Description
A quick and easy French-inspired sandwich featuring thick sourdough bread, Dijon mustard, ham, and a blend of Gruyère and Comté cheeses, pan-fried to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and gooey interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices thick sourdough bread
- 4 slices thinly sliced ham (honey-glazed or black forest)
- 1 cup freshly grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Comté cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Set aside mustard-side down.
- Layer the ham slices on one piece of bread. Season lightly with black pepper.
- Sprinkle half of the grated cheese mixture over the ham. Place the second slice of bread on top, mustard-side up.
- Mix the melted butter with milk. Use a pastry brush to coat the top slice of bread generously.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium-low heat. Add a little extra butter to the pan.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown.
- Carefully flip the sandwich. Pile the remaining cheese on top of the cooked side.
- Brush the top slice (now facing down) with the butter-milk mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- If the cheese isn’t melting, add a splash of water to the pan and cover with a lid for a minute to steam.
- Remove from heat and let rest for one minute before slicing diagonally and serving immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese to ensure smooth melting; avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents. Pat the ham dry to prevent sogginess. Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the bread crisps without burning. Let the sandwich rest for one minute after cooking to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, ham and cheese, sourdough, Gruyère, quick dinner, brunch ideas, comfort food