Croque-Monsieur Like French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Classic French Sandwich

The Croque-Monsieur is a beloved French classic—a warm, cheesy sandwich that’s indulgent, savory, and utterly satisfying. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this iconic dish to the next level, blending the golden, crispy texture of French toast with the gooey cheese and ham goodness of a traditional Croque-Monsieur? That’s right—Croque-Monsieur like French toast is the next big thing in comfort food.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to marry two of the most irresistible dishes—Croque-Monsieur and French toast—into one mouthwatering, decadent creation. The result? A crisp, golden, cheesy sandwich with a soft, custard-like interior that will have you hooked from the first bite.

What is a Croque-Monsieur?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s review what makes a Croque-Monsieur so special. Originating from French cafés and bistros, this traditional sandwich is made with:

Bread: Thick slices of white or sourdough bread, often toasted to perfection.
Ham: Thinly sliced ham is layered in the middle.
Cheese: The star of the show is typically Gruyère cheese, a firm and flavorful Swiss cheese, melted to a bubbly golden perfection.
Bechamel Sauce: The rich, creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk adds an extra indulgence.

The sandwich is baked or grilled, creating a deliciously crispy exterior and a melty, savory filling that’s irresistible.

The Twist: French Toast-Style Croque-Monsieur

Now, imagine the warm, rich texture of French toast combined with the classic Croque-Monsieur elements. Instead of simply toasting the bread, we’ll dip it into a creamy custard mixture and fry it like French toast, creating a golden, slightly sweet exterior with a savory interior that elevates the classic Croque-Monsieur to new heights.

The result is a decadent, all-in-one breakfast or brunch treat that blends the best of both worlds: the crispy, comforting texture of French toast and the melty, cheesy goodness of a Croque-Monsieur.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious Croque-Monsieur like French Toast:

4 slices of thick bread – Sourdough, brioche, or a good-quality white bread works well.
4 slices of ham – Choose thinly sliced, high-quality ham for the best flavor.
4 slices of Gruyère cheese – Gruyère melts beautifully, but Swiss or Emmental cheese can be used as alternatives.
2 eggs – To make the custard-like coating.
1/2 cup whole milk – For the custard mixture.
1 tablespoon heavy cream – Adds richness to the custard.
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a bit of tang and depth to the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Season to taste.
Freshly cracked black pepper – For seasoning the custard.
1 tablespoon butter – For frying the French toast and getting that golden, crispy exterior.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Optional, for extra flavor in the custard.
Fresh parsley – Optional, for garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If you’re using Parmesan, mix it in at this point. The custard mixture should be well-combined and smooth, with a slight tang from the mustard.

Step 2: Assemble the Croque-Monsieur

Lay out two slices of bread. On each slice, layer a slice of Gruyère cheese, followed by a slice of ham, and top it off with another slice of Gruyère. Place the remaining slices of bread on top to form two sandwiches.

Step 3: Dip the Sandwiches into the Custard

Carefully dip both sides of each sandwich into the prepared custard mixture, ensuring that the bread absorbs some of the custard without becoming too soggy. Be gentle to avoid breaking the sandwich apart.