Croque Madame Recipe: A French Delight
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Croque Madame combines rich flavors with a delightful presentation. It’s a hearty dish featuring crispy bread, creamy béchamel sauce, savory ham, and melty Gruyère cheese. Topped with a sunny-side-up egg, it’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and energy. With around 450-500 calories per serving, it’s an excellent choice for a satisfying brunch or dinner.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of sourdough or white bread
- 4 slices of high-quality ham
- 2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
Firstly, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook it for about 2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Afterward, add Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and salt. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, then set it aside.
Step 2: Build the Sandwiches
Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on one side of each bread slice. On four of the slices, add a slice of ham and a generous layer of Gruyère cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top, béchamel-side down, to form sandwiches.
Step 3: Toast the Sandwiches
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Gently place the sandwiches into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler for the next step.
Step 4: Broil the Sandwiches
Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet. Spread another layer of béchamel sauce on top and sprinkle with more Gruyère cheese. Broil them for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
Using the same skillet, cook the eggs sunny-side-up to your liking.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Place an egg on top of each sandwich. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Croque Madame
- Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Freshly baked bread and aged cheese enhance the overall flavor.
- Perfect Your Béchamel Sauce: Keep whisking the sauce while cooking to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add caramelized onions or swap the ham for turkey to suit your preferences.
This adaptability makes the recipe ideal for everyone!
