Croque Madame Recipe

French · Main course · 35 min total

A classic French bistro sandwich with ham, Gruyère, and béchamel sauce, topped with a fried egg.

Ingredients

• 4 slices brioche or white bread
• 4 slices cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter for frying eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make béchamel: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread béchamel on each slice. Top two slices with 2 slices ham each, then sprinkle with Gruyère. Place remaining bread slices on top, béchamel side down.
4. Bake sandwiches for 10 minutes, then flip and bake another 5 minutes until golden and cheese melts.
5. While sandwiches bake, fry eggs: In a nonstick skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Crack eggs and cook until whites are set but yolks are runny, about 3 minutes.
6. Place each sandwich on a plate and top with a fried egg. Serve immediately.

Tips

• For a crispier sandwich, toast the bread lightly before assembling.
• Use Dijon mustard on the bread for extra flavor.

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