Croque-Madame Recipe

 

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 30 mins

Servings: 2 to 4 servings

Yield: 2 sandwiches

The croque-madame is a luxurious French sandwich that features ham, creamy béchamel sauce, Gruyère cheese, and is topped with a fried egg. This rich and indulgent dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner when paired with a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
• 1 dash freshly grated nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 ounces sliced or grated Gruyère cheese, divided
• 4 slices bread (brioche, country-style, sourdough, or white sandwich bread)
• 2 to 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard, optional
• 3 to 4 ounces thinly sliced ham (French-style jambon de Paris or good-quality deli ham)
• 2 large eggs
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

   • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add flour to the butter and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
   • Add the milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a dash of nutmeg. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, until thickened.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the Gruyère cheese. Set the sauce aside.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:

   • Arrange two slices of bread on a baking sheet and spread with Dijon mustard, if using.
   • Divide the ham on top of the two slices of bread.
   • Spread a bit of the thick cheese sauce over the ham, top with the remaining Gruyère, and another slice of bread.

3. Cook the Sandwiches:

   • Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
   • Brush the tops of the sandwiches with some of the melted butter.
   • Place the sandwiches in the hot skillet, buttered side down, and brush more butter over the tops. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
   • Remove the sandwiches to the baking sheet and spread the remaining cheese sauce over the tops, making sure to coat the edges to prevent burning.

4. Broil the Sandwiches:

   • Position a rack in the top third of the oven and turn the oven to broil.
   • Place the sandwiches under the broiler and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and beginning to brown.

5. Fry the Eggs:

   • Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
   • Crack each egg into a ramekin, then add them slowly to the skillet.
   • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.

6. Assemble and Serve:

   • Remove the sandwiches from the oven and place them on plates.
   • Top each sandwich with a fried egg.
   • Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 552
• Fat: 41g
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 27g

Enjoy this decadent croque-madame, perfect for any special occasion or a luxurious meal at home.