Croque Madame
This classic French Croque Madame sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of ham and melty Gruyère cheese are tucked between golden, crispy bread, topped with creamy béchamel sauce and a perfectly fried egg. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread like brioche or sourdough
- 4 oz 120g Gruyère cheese, grated
- 4 slices of ham
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup 240ml milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tbsp flour and whisk until smooth (about 1 minute).
- Slowly pour in 1 cup milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3 minutes).
- Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread.
- Layer each with 2 slices of ham and half the grated cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread.
- Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Transfer sandwiches to a baking tray, spoon béchamel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Crack 2 eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but yolks are runny (or as preferred).
- Top each sandwich with a fried egg.
- Serve hot with a simple side salad or fries for the full bistro experience.