Croque Monsieur Pie: A Savory French Twist on Comfort Food Recipe
This Croque Monsieur Pie is a deliciously savory and comforting French-inspired dish that transforms the classic Croque Monsieur sandwich into a hearty pie. Featuring layers of diced ham, shredded Gruyère cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all encased in a flaky pie crust, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal any time of day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Filling
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra depth
- Crumbled bacon for added smokiness
Instructions
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a pie dish with the pie crust and brush the crust with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish. Evenly layer the diced ham and shredded Gruyère cheese inside the crust. Pour the prepared béchamel sauce over the layered filling.
- Bake the Pie: Optionally, cover the pie with a second crust or leave it open-faced. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra flavor and depth.
- Crumbled bacon can be included for a smoky twist.
- Brush the crust edges with egg wash to ensure a beautiful golden color.
- Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes to set the filling, which will make slicing easier.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
