A Croque Madame is the luxurious, egg-topped version of the classic French Croque Monsieur. This rich and indulgent sandwich combines crispy, buttery bread, layers of ham and melted Gruyère cheese, creamy béchamel sauce, and a perfectly fried egg on top. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying lunch, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Béchamel Sauce:
• 20g butter
• 20g flour
• 300ml warm milk
• Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste
For the Sandwich:
• 4 slices of rustic bread
• Dijon mustard
• 4 slices of ham
• 100g Gruyère cheese, grated
• Butter for toasting
• 2 eggs
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk continuously until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
• Gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover and set aside.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
• Butter the bread slices and toast them until golden on both sides.
• Spread Dijon mustard on the bottom slice, then add béchamel sauce, ham, and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
• Top with the second slice of bread and spread more béchamel on top.
• Sprinkle with extra Gruyère cheese.
3. Grill the Sandwich:
• Place the sandwich in a preheated oven or air fryer at 200°C (400°F) and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
4. Fry the Egg:
• In a separate pan, fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny.
5. Serve:
• Remove the sandwich from the oven, place the fried egg on top, and season with black pepper.
• Enjoy your Croque Madame while it’s hot and gooey!
Why This Recipe Works:
The crispy, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the creamy béchamel and gooey cheese, while the fried egg adds an extra layer of richness. This Parisian bistro staple is simple to make yet feels gourmet, making it a fantastic dish for any occasion.
