Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe
If you are craving a truly indulgent and comforting snack, the Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe is here to satisfy every layer of your food-loving soul. This delightful French-inspired treat takes the classic croque monsieur to a new savory level by adding the umami punch of Marmite, the creamy richness of béchamel sauce, and the nutty goodness of melted Gruyère cheese. Each bite combines golden toasted bread, melted cheese, and a luscious sauce that wraps everything in a perfect hug. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch or an impressive yet simple get-together dish, this recipe offers a warm, hearty experience that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Croque Marmite Sandwich comes from a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays its part: the butter and flour create a silky béchamel base, the Marmite adds a unique depth of flavor, and the cheeses bring that irresistible stretch and golden finish. Together, they work in perfect harmony to give you a sandwich that tastes like it took hours but comes together in under an hour.
- Salted butter (20g): Essential for creating a smooth, rich béchamel sauce that binds the flavors.
- Plain flour (20g): Helps thicken the sauce to creamy perfection without any lumps.
- Whole milk (250ml): Adds creaminess and balances the intense savory notes.
- Nutmeg, finely grated (¼): A hint of warmth that elevates the béchamel, unmatched in subtlety.
- Marmite (2 tsp, divided): The secret ingredient—its salty, yeasty umami richness transforms the sandwich entirely.
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp): Adds a gentle tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Gruyère, grated (250g, divided): A generous amount, part melted into the sauce and part used for the cheesy topping.
- Cheddar, grated (50g): Combines with Gruyère for an extra kick of sharpness and flavor contrast.
- Thick white bread slices (8): Provides the perfect sturdy base for holding all those luscious fillings.
- Ham slices (4): Adds smoky, meaty layers that complement the cheese and sauce.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp, optional): For frying eggs if you choose to add that indulgent extra.
- Eggs (4, optional): Fried eggs on top are the ultimate finishing touch for richness.
- Salad (optional): A vinegary salad cuts through the richness bringing freshness to the plate.
How to Make Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe
Step 1: Make the béchamel sauce
Start by melting your salted butter in a pan over medium heat until foaming, then sprinkle in the plain flour. Stir it constantly to make a smooth roux and cook for about a minute to remove that raw flour taste. This is the foundation for your creamy sauce, giving the sandwich its irresistible silkiness.
Step 2: Add milk gradually and stir
Gently pour in the whole milk a little at a time while whisking continuously. This gradual addition ensures your béchamel becomes thick and perfectly smooth without lumps. It’s this process that transforms simple ingredients into a luscious sauce that will coat your sandwich with velvety goodness.
Step 3: Season and flavor the béchamel
Now the real flavor starts to come in! Stir in finely grated nutmeg, a teaspoon of Marmite, and Dijon mustard. Season the sauce with black pepper and just a pinch of salt. The Marmite infuses that unmistakable umami depth, making this béchamel uniquely savory and addictively tasty.
Step 4: Add the cheeses
Take your pan off the heat and fold in 50g of grated Gruyère and all of the cheddar. Stir until melted and fully combined so the sauce is creamy and cheesy in every bite. Set this sauce aside for later assembling your sandwich masterpieces.
Step 5: Toast the bread
Preheat the grill to high and toast your thick slices of white bread for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden. Flip them over so the untoasted side faces up—this will be the perfect surface for spreading Marmite and melting cheese in the next step.
Step 6: Assemble the base layer of the Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe
Spread the remaining teaspoon of Marmite onto each untoasted slice of bread, then sprinkle generously with the rest of your grated Gruyère. Place them under the grill again for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a delicious, bubbly layer that promises each bite will be cheesy heaven.
Step 7: Add ham and close sandwiches
Place a slice of ham on half of your cheesy bread slices, then cover them with the remaining slices to form the classic sandwich shape. Now slather a generous 3-4 tablespoons of your prepared béchamel sauce on top of each closed sandwich, making sure to coat the surface thoroughly. This creamy topping helps create that signature golden crust.
Step 8: Finish under the grill
Return the assembled sandwiches to the grill and watch as the béchamel bubbles, browns, and develops irresistible charred spots. This final step gives the sandwich a beautiful golden finish, locking in layers of flavor and texture for that perfect mouthwatering bite.
Step 9: Cook optional fried eggs
If you want to elevate the dish further, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan and cook your eggs to your preferred doneness. Slap these on top of each sandwich for a lavish, runny yolk surprise that takes the Croque Marmite Sandwich experience to the next level.
Step 10: Serve and enjoy
Serve your Croque Marmite Sandwich with a fresh vinegary salad on the side to contrast all that creamy, cheesy richness. Enjoy immediately while it’s piping hot for the best taste and texture explosion.
How to Serve Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or finely sliced chives atop your sandwich just before serving can bring a fresh and vibrant note. A light dusting of cracked black pepper and a drizzle of extra Dijon mustard on the side also makes for delightful, easy garnishes that elevate the dish’s presentation and flavors.
Side Dishes
Vinegary green salads with crisp leaves, tart vinaigrettes, or even pickled vegetables work beautifully alongside this rich sandwich. They help cleanse the palate and keep the meal balanced. For something heartier, roasted seasonal vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup can complete the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into fingers for sharing at gatherings or stack smaller sandwiches with layered filling for a croque-monsieur tower. For brunch, top each with a perfectly poached egg and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne for a spiced flair that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Croque Marmite Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 2 days, ready to be reheated for a quick, indulgent meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze assembled but ungrilled sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before finishing off under the grill to crisp up and reheat thoroughly.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe is under the grill or in a toaster oven to preserve the crispy bread and melt all that cheese once again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as this tends to make the bread soggy and the béchamel separate.
FAQs
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham, or replace it with your favorite plant-based slices or grilled vegetables. The béchamel and Marmite sauce still provide plenty of flavorful richness that makes this sandwich satisfying without meat.
What if I don’t have Marmite? Can I substitute it?
Marmite is key for that strong umami character, but if you don’t have it, you could try a small amount of soy sauce or miso paste as a substitute. Keep in mind these will slightly change the flavor but can add a similar savory depth.
Is it necessary to use Gruyère cheese?
Gruyère gives this sandwich its distinctive nutty, melty quality that’s hard to replicate exactly. However, good-quality Swiss or Emmental cheeses can work well as alternatives if Gruyère is unavailable.
Can I prepare the béchamel sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the béchamel a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stove and stir to restore creaminess before assembling your sandwiches.
Do I have to add eggs on top?
The fried eggs are a tasty optional extra that add richness and texture, but the sandwich is wonderful on its own if you prefer to keep it simpler or serve it for lunch without eggs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe enough for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors wrapped in ooey-gooey cheesy goodness. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but is incredibly straightforward to pull off, making it a personal favorite to impress friends or treat yourself on a relaxed afternoon. Go ahead and make this delicious sandwich your next kitchen adventure—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Croque Marmite Sandwich with Béchamel and Gruyère Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Croque Marmite recipe is a savory twist on the classic French Croque Monsieur, enriched with Marmite and a luscious cheese béchamel sauce. Perfectly toasted bread layers ham and melted Gruyère and cheddar, topped with a golden, bubbling béchamel infused with nutmeg and Marmite for an umami-packed flavor. Optional fried eggs and a fresh vinegary salad accompany this indulgent yet comforting sandwich, making it a delightful meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 20g salted butter
- 20g plain flour
- 250ml whole milk
- ¼ nutmeg, finely grated
- 1 tsp Marmite (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 50g Gruyère, grated (for sauce)
- All cheddar, 50g grated (for sauce)
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 tsp Marmite (1 tsp used in sauce, 1 tsp to spread on bread)
- 250g Gruyère, grated (50g in sauce, remainder for topping)
- 8 thick slices white bread
- 4 slices ham
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying eggs)
- 4 eggs
- Salad (vinegary, for serving)
Instructions
- Make the béchamel sauce: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat until foaming. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add milk gradually: Slowly pour the milk a splash at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season and flavor the sauce: Whisk in finely grated nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of Marmite, and Dijon mustard. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt according to taste.
- Add cheeses: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 50g of grated Gruyère and all the cheddar until melted and fully combined. Set the sauce aside.
- Toast the bread: Preheat the grill to high. Place the slices of bread on a baking tray and grill for 2-3 minutes until golden on one side. Flip the slices to have the untoasted side facing up.
- Assemble base layer: Spread the remaining 1 teaspoon Marmite on the untoasted side of each bread slice. Then sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyère evenly over each slice. Grill for a few more minutes until the cheese melts.
- Add ham and close sandwiches: Place a slice of ham on half of the bread slices. Cover with the remaining slices to form sandwiches. Generously spread 3-4 tablespoons of the béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich.
- Finish under the grill: Return the sandwiches to the grill and cook for several minutes until the béchamel topping is golden, bubbling, and has some charred spots.
- Cook eggs if using: Heat vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and fry to your preferred doneness. Drain on kitchen paper.
- Serve: Place fried eggs on top of the sandwiches if desired and serve immediately with a fresh vinegary salad for balance.
Notes
- You can omit the eggs and salad to make it a simpler sandwich meal.
- Use thick white bread for best results as it holds the fillings well without becoming soggy.
- Grating fresh nutmeg provides a fragrant and warming flavor to the béchamel sauce, but it can be adjusted to taste.
- For a stronger Marmite flavor, you can adjust Marmite quantities slightly but do so cautiously as it is quite salty and potent.
- Ensure the grill is preheated well to properly toast and melt the cheese on the bread slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
