Introduction
Croque Madame is a classic French dish that’s a delightful twist on the traditional Croque Monsieur. This indulgent sandwich features layers of ham and melted cheese, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and a perfectly fried egg. Ideal for brunch or a fancy lunch, this recipe from NorthEast Nosh Recipes will guide you through making a delicious Croque Madame at home.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
– 8 slices of bread
– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 12 slices ham (e.g., Boar’s Head)
– 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
– 4 large eggs
– Fresh chives, chopped for garnish
– Microgreens, for serving (optional)
– Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving
For the Béchamel Sauce:
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
2. Prepare Béchamel Sauce:
– In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
– Add the flour, whisking continuously for about 30 seconds.
– Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
– Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, approximately 4 minutes.
– Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg.
3. Assemble Sandwiches:
– Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
– Place four slices, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
– Layer each with ham and shredded Gruyère cheese.
– Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
– Bake in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
4. Broil:
– Spread the prepared béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich.
– Add extra shredded Gruyère cheese if desired.
– Broil until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Fry Eggs:
– In a skillet, heat a small amount of butter or oil over medium heat.
– Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 5 minutes.
– Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
6. Serve:
– Garnish with chopped fresh chives, microgreens (if using), and freshly cracked black pepper.
– Serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Croque Madame!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
Prepare Béchamel Sauce
In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking continuously for about 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, approximately 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg.
Assemble Sandwiches
Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Place four slices, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Layer each with ham and shredded Gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
Broil
Spread the prepared béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Add extra shredded Gruyère cheese if desired. Broil until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Fry Eggs
In a skillet, heat a small amount of butter or oil over medium heat. Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 5 minutes. Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh chives, microgreens (if using), and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy your homemade Croque Madame with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Leftover sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator, but are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Cook techniques
Preheating
Preheating the oven is essential for even cooking and to achieve a golden crust on your sandwich.
Making Béchamel Sauce
Whisking continuously when adding flour to melted butter ensures a smooth sauce without lumps. Gradually adding milk prevents clumping.
Assembling Sandwiches
Spreading softened butter on the bread helps achieve a crispy and flavorful crust when baked.
Broiling
Broiling provides a high, direct heat source that creates a bubbly, golden cheese topping in a short time.
Frying Eggs
Cooking eggs over medium heat allows for perfectly set whites while keeping the yolk runny, which is ideal for a Croque Madame.
Garnishing
Using fresh herbs like chives and microgreens adds flavor and a visual appeal to the dish before serving.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with other cheeses like Emmental or mozzarella, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor.
What bread works best for Croque Madame?
A thick-cut bread such as brioche or sourdough is preferred for its ability to hold up to the fillings and sauces.
Can I prepare the Béchamel sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the Béchamel sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before using.
Is there a vegetarian option?
You can omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use pre-cooked eggs?
While fresh fried eggs are recommended, you can use hard-boiled eggs if you prefer, though it will change the texture.
Conclusion
The Croque Madame is a quintessential French dish that combines the hearty flavors of ham and rich Gruyère cheese, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and a perfectly fried egg. It’s an indulgent treat that brings comfort and satisfaction, making it perfect for brunch or a special meal. With its crispy texture and melty goodness, this sandwich is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy every bite of this delightful classic!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Croque Monsieur
For a simpler version, omit the egg on top to make a delicious Croque Monsieur, perfect for a quick lunch.
Vegetarian Croque Madame
Substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a flavorful vegetarian twist on this classic sandwich.
Avocado Toast Croque Madame
Add smashed avocado to your Croque Madame for a creamy and nutritious upgrade, pairing well with the richness of the béchamel.
Smoked Salmon Croque Madame
Replace the ham with smoked salmon for a luxurious take that offers a delightful contrast of flavors.
Breakfast Croque Madame
Incorporate crispy bacon and a slice of tomato for a heartier breakfast option that packs a punch of flavor.
Italian-style Croque Madame
Swap out Gruyère for mozzarella and add pesto for an Italian-inspired sandwich bursting with fresh herb flavors.
