Arteflame Croque Monsieur: A Gourmet Grilled Classic Made Easy

Introduction

The Croque Monsieur is a French café classic, and when cooked on an Arteflame grill, it transforms into a smoky, golden masterpiece. This recipe delivers a crisp exterior, melty cheese center, and rich béchamel finish—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an elevated backyard meal. Whether you're discovering this sandwich for the first time or perfecting a longtime favorite, this guide shows you how to make it flawlessly on an open-fire grill. Get ready for a delicious blend of tradition, technique, and flame-kissed flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut brioche or country bread
• 8 oz sliced ham
• 6 oz grated Gruyère cheese
• 4 oz grated Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Béchamel Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel

1. Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk until combined.
3. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until thickened.
4. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Build the Sandwiches

1. Spread Dijon mustard on half the bread slices.
2. Add sliced ham and a blend of Gruyère and Swiss.
3. Top with remaining bread slices and lightly butter the outsides.

Step 3: Grill on the Arteflame

1. Preheat the Arteflame cooktop with a light coat of olive oil.
2. Place sandwiches on the grill and cook until golden.
3. Flip and cook until cheese melts fully.

Step 4: Add Béchamel and Finish

1. Spoon béchamel over the top of each sandwich.
2. Finish on a hotter area of the grill until lightly browned.
3. Serve immediately.

Tips

Perfecting this Arteflame Croque Monsieur comes down to heat control and ingredient balance. Let the grill reach a steady medium heat so the bread crisps without burning, and choose quality cheese for the best melt. The béchamel should be silky rather than thick, which helps it caramelize beautifully over the fire. If you’re grilling for a crowd, preassemble sandwiches beforehand and finish them in batches. A few small adjustments go a long way toward creating that signature café-style texture and flavor.

Variations

The classic Croque Monsieur is endlessly versatile, and small changes can create exciting flavor twists. Try elevating yours with specialty cheeses or adding ingredients that pair well with open-flame grilling. These variations work beautifully on the Arteflame’s hot surface and bring new depth to this French favorite.

• Use smoked Gruyère for extra fire-kissed flavor.
• Add caramelized onions inside the sandwich.
• Swap ham for turkey or prosciutto.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme to the béchamel.
• Top with a fried egg for a Croque Madame.

Best pairings

Serve your Croque Monsieur with foods and drinks that complement its rich cheese and smoky grilled finish. Crisp textures, bright acidity, and refreshing flavors help balance the sandwich’s hearty profile. These pairing ideas enhance the meal without overpowering it, perfect for brunch or a casual outdoor gathering.

• Light green salad with vinaigrette
• Crisp apple or pear slices
• French onion soup
• Sparkling wine or dry hard cider
• Iced tea or a light lager

Conclusion

This Arteflame Croque Monsieur brings together classic French comfort and bold open-fire flavor. With its golden crust, creamy béchamel, and perfectly melted cheese, it’s a standout dish that transforms any meal into something memorable. Whether you're cooking for guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers an impressive, café-worthy experience with simple steps and outstanding results. Enjoy the warmth, aroma, and rustic charm that only an Arteflame cooktop can provide.