Description
Parisian cafe charm meets comfort in this irresistible Croque Madame sandwich, blending crispy ham, melted gruyère, and a perfectly sunny-side-up egg. Layers of rich flavors and classic French technique will transport you to a charming bistro with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 slices bread
- 12 slices ham (e.g., Boar’s Head)
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 4 large eggs
Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Garnish and Finishing Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- Fresh chives (chopped)
- Microgreens
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure even heating.
- Create a velvety béchamel sauce by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 30 seconds, then gradually incorporate milk, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens (approximately 4 minutes). Remove from heat and blend in mustard, salt, and nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the sandwiches by generously buttering one side of each bread slice. Arrange four slices butter-side down on a baking sheet, layer with ham and cheese, then top with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up. Bake for 6 minutes until bread turns golden and cheese melts completely.
- Lavishly spread the prepared béchamel sauce over the toasted sandwiches. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese for extra richness. Transfer to the broiler and cook until the cheese bubbles and achieves a beautiful golden-brown color (3-4 minutes).
- In a separate skillet, melt a small amount of butter or oil. Carefully crack eggs and fry until the whites are fully set but the yolks remain delightfully runny (about 5 minutes). Delicately place one perfectly cooked egg atop each sandwich.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped chives, delicate microgreens, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and at peak deliciousness.
Notes
- Butter your bread carefully to ensure even golden-brown crispiness when baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients like milk and butter for smoother béchamel sauce with consistent texture.
- Consider using high-quality ham and Gruyère cheese for more authentic French flavor profile.
- When frying eggs, use a non-stick pan and tilt it slightly to help egg whites set perfectly while keeping yolks beautifully runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg