Description
Indulge in a classic French brunch favorite with this delicious Croque Madame recipe. A grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with a creamy Béchamel sauce and a perfectly fried egg, this dish is a true delight for your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of sourdough or white bread
- 2 slices of ham (preferably thinly sliced)
- 2 slices of Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
- 1 large egg (for the ‘madame’ topping)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to create a roux (paste). Slowly add the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If you like, stir in the grated Gruyère cheese for a cheesier sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. On one slice, layer a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, mustard side down.
- Cook the Sandwich: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the assembled sandwich and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Fry the Egg: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan and fry it to your preferred level of doneness (traditionally, the egg is sunny-side up).
- Assemble the Croque Madame: Place the grilled sandwich on a plate and pour the béchamel sauce over the top. Gently place the fried egg on top of the sandwich to complete the ‘madame’ version.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a side of salad or crispy fries, if desired.
Notes
- You can make this dish with different types of bread, but the classic choice is sourdough or white bread.
- For a Croque Monsieur (the ‘madame’ without the egg), simply omit the fried egg.
- The béchamel sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
