Croque monsieur is a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich blanketed in béchamel and more cheese — rich, savoury and indulgent. The dish's richness, salty ham and melted cheese call for a wine with bright acidity to cut through, plus a fresh, lively character. A crisp white, dry sparkling or a light red all work, slicing the richness while flattering the ham. The wine should refresh the palate against the cheesy, buttery sandwich; high acidity is the key, whether in a zesty white, lively bubbles or a juicy chilled red.
Our sommelier's picks
Save to PinterestTextured white
11–13°C (52–55°F)Chardonnay · Mâconnais, France
A lightly oaked white Burgundy matches the béchamel while its acidity cuts the cheese.
Mâcon-Villages is dependable.
Dry sparkling
8–10°C (46–50°F)Champagne Blend · France
Bubbles and acidity slice through the rich, cheesy sandwich and refresh the palate.
Crémant gives the effect for less.
Crisp aromatic white
9–12°C (48–54°F)Chenin Blanc · Loire Valley, France
Vouvray's honeyed acidity flatters the ham and cuts the cheese.
Loire Chenin is great value.
Juicy chilled red
13–15°C (55–59°F)Gamay · Beaujolais, France
Lightly chilled Beaujolais's bright fruit refreshes against the rich sandwich and flatters the ham.
Beaujolais-Villages is affordable.
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Questions about pairing Croque Monsieur
What wine pairs with croque monsieur?
A crisp white like Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc, dry sparkling, or a light chilled red — all bring the acidity to cut the rich béchamel and cheese.
Does sparkling wine work with croque monsieur?
Wonderfully — the bubbles and acidity slice through the cheese and béchamel and refresh the palate.
Can I drink red wine with it?
Yes — a juicy, low-tannin red like Beaujolais served slightly cool flatters the ham and cuts the richness.