The Croque Madame satisfies all your classy sandwich cravings. But is there anything on Earth that could beat a good croque madame — crispy bread, rich béchamel sauce, melted Gruyère cheese, and salty ham topped with the perfect fried egg? Elegant enough to impress but quick and easy to make, the Croque Madame is a great option when you feel like brunch or lunch that feels special ― whether it’s just for yourself or your bae.
What is a Croque Madame?
Croque Madame is a French classic sandwich, an adapted variation of the original Croque Monsieur. The only difference is the sunnyside-up fried egg that tops it and adds a heartiness to it making the Madame more of the meal. Usually eaten with a side salad or fries, this is popular for breakfast brunch, and lunch(‘,’)
Ingredients for Croque Madame
This delicious pocket sandwich will be prepared with the following ingredients:
White bread (or brioche for extra depth of flavor) 4 slices, thick-cut
4 slices of French ham or smoked ham, cooked
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Emmental)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tbsp butter (for frying and toasting)
1 cup whole milk (for bechamel sauce)
Béchamel sauce 1tbsp plain flour
Pinch of nutmeg (omit if making béchamel sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Béchamel Sauce
But the difference between this and a regular sandwich is that béchamel sauce. Here’s how to make it:
In a small saucepan, melt 1 T butter over medium heat.
Whisking it continuously, add the flour to create a smooth roux. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir it into the butter for about two minutes, being sure not to let the roux brown.
Carefully add the milk, while whisking so that no lumps are formed. Mix everything well one last time, then keep cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Sprinkle with a little nutmeg, salt and pepper. Set aside the béchamel sauce.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Did I mention you want the bread to be golden and crispy down to a perfect texture?
Butter each side of the bread lightly.
In a skillet or griddle pan, toast the bread slices for 6-7 minutes on medium heat until golden brown. Set the bread aside.
To Make the Sandwiches
Once your béchamel sauce and toasted bread are done, assemble the sandwiches.
Smear each slice of bread on one side with a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
Place one slice of ham on two bread slices then top with a good layer of Gruyère cheese.
Top with remaining bread slices to make sandwiches. Top each sandwich with a teaspoon of béchamel sauce and some more Gruyère.
Step 4: Bake and Broil
The sandwiches get popped in the oven for a few minutes to yield that gorgeously melted, golden finish.
Turn the oven broiler to high heat.
Arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes. WATCH CAREFULLY TO AVOID BURNING.
Step 5: Fry the Eggs
The Croque Madame is topped with a fried egg.
While the sandwiches broil, heat about a tablespoon of butter in a skillet set over medium lowest setting on my stove.basicConfig.
Pour in the eggs and lightly season them with salt, cover on medium heat for about 3 – 4 minutes or until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the eggs.
Step 6: Building your croque madame
Once it is time to get the pickles and meat on top, fry an egg per sandwich. The gooey yolk provides a silky center to the sandwich, that makes it absolutely decadent.
Why You Will Love This Croque Madame Recipe
Tastiest Croque Madame: This recipe delivers all of the delectable flavors and French elegance that you would expect from a high-end bistro straight to your kitchen; making it also ideal for special occasions or an indulgent brunch over one weekend.
Flavorful Morsels: The toasted bread, simmering béchamel sauce, and ham all come together with the melted cheese plus a fried egg making way for an explosion of texture and taste.
Elegant but quite simple: it takes no more than 30 minutes, at the very most.
This Croque Madame works perfectly as a brunch or lunch recipe to serve for breakfast, brunch any time you want really because they are so easy and yummy!
How to Make the Best Croque Madame
Invest In Good Ingredients: These sandwich ingredients are so basic that investing in the best possible ham, check and bread will make a difference! Feel free to use Swiss cheese and ham for a real taste of Paris.
Get Your Béchamel Right: The béchamel should be rich, and smooth. Be cautious, however – this is an important step and you do not want to rush it if possible as helps give structure to the texture of the sandwich.
SERVING SUGGESTION: A classic green salad with vinaigrette or a side of French fries makes it a whole meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Croque Madame v Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur is a ham and cheese sandwich covered in béchameRoque Madame has the fried egg on top that earns its name.
Cheese: Can I use it differently?
Yes! Gruyere or Emmental are traditional, but you can use any cheese that melts well — think cheddar, swiss, and the like.
We also wanted to know, “Can I do that in a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. To make it vegetarian, swap out the ham for sautéed mushrooms or some roasted vegetables and create a Croque Madame.
Per Serving: Nutritional Information:
Calories: 570 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 850 mg
Final Thoughts
The Croque Madame is more than a sandwich; it could stand in as the quintessential French meal: rich, warm cheese with crispy bread and ham. This simple recipe is perfect whether you are hosting a weekend brunch or just snacking at home and will add some French elegance to your table.
For more delicious sandwich recipes like this one, browse our Sandwiches category on yumy24. Go to Ribshackgrill.com and find New Flavors!
