Croque Madame Sandwich

Name: Croque Madame Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk (whole); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 4 slices bread (thick slices, such as brioche or sourdough); 4 slices ham (cooked); 1 cup Gruyère cheese (grated); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 large eggs

35 min 2 servings Medium

All Recipes

A classic French sandwich topped with a fried egg for a rich and satisfying meal.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The Croque Madame is a quintessential French bistro sandwich that combines the comforting flavours of ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, all topped with a perfectly fried egg. Its origins date back to early 20th century France, where it quickly became a staple in cafés and bistros. Unlike its counterpart, the Croque Monsieur, the Croque Madame is graced with a sunny-side-up egg, adding an extra layer of richness and turning it into a hearty meal suitable for any time of the day. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner, this sandwich is sure to delight your taste buds.

Instructions

Prepare the béchamel sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute. Gradually add 1 cup of milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Pro tip: Ensure the flour is fully incorporated before adding milk to avoid lumps.

Assemble the sandwiches

Spread béchamel sauce on one side of each bread slice. Layer 2 slices of ham and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese on two of the slices. Top with the remaining bread, sauce side down.

Pro tip: Use a spoon to evenly spread the sauce, ensuring full coverage.

Cook the sandwiches

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sandwiches and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Pro tip: Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even browning.

Prepare the fried eggs

In a separate non-stick skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.

Pro tip: Cover the skillet briefly to help the whites set faster.

Top the sandwiches

Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Pro tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the runny yolk at its best.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use thick, hearty bread to hold all the delicious fillings.
Grate your cheese for even melting.
Use medium heat to avoid burning the bread while allowing the cheese to melt.
Cook the egg until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur?

A Croque Madame is topped with a fried egg, while a Croque Monsieur is not.

How do I ensure the egg yolk is runny?

Cook the egg until the whites are set and the yolk remains runny, about 3-4 minutes over medium heat.

Can I make a Croque Madame without béchamel sauce?

The béchamel sauce is traditional, but you can substitute with a creamy cheese spread if needed.

What type of cheese is best for Croque Madame?

Gruyère cheese is traditional for its rich, nutty flavour and excellent melting properties.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any thick, hearty bread such as brioche or sourdough works well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Croque Madame with a side of crisp greens or a light salad to balance the richness of the sandwich. For a classic French pairing, enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cider. To make ahead, you can prepare the béchamel sauce and assemble the sandwiches without the egg, refrigerating them until ready to cook. Simply fry the egg fresh when you're ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrition per serving

650

Calories

35g

Protein

40g

Fat

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