Croque Madame is the epitome of indulgent French comfort food, offering a decadent twist on the classic Croque Monsieur. This delicious sandwich features layers of savory ham and melted cheese, all enveloped in a rich, creamy béchamel sauce. What sets the Croque Madame apart is the addition of a perfectly fried egg on top, adding a delightful richness that elevates the dish to new heights. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying lunch, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves French cuisine and hearty meals.
The base of a Croque Madame is a traditional Croque Monsieur, which is made with slices of hearty bread (often white or brioche), ham, and Gruyère or Emmental cheese. The magic happens when the sandwich is smothered in a luxurious béchamel sauce, a creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg. This sauce not only adds richness but also helps to bind the sandwich together, making every bite incredibly indulgent.
To take it a step further, the Croque Madame includes a fried egg placed on top. The runny yolk adds a creamy, velvety texture that seeps into the sandwich, making each bite a mix of crispy, creamy, and savory. The contrast between the crunchy, toasted bread and the soft, gooey cheese creates a perfect balance of textures that’s hard to beat.
Making a Croque Madame is surprisingly simple, though the combination of flavors and textures feels fancy and refined. Start by making the béchamel sauce, then layer it on toasted bread with ham and cheese. After baking the sandwich until golden and bubbling, top it with a perfectly fried egg, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to impress.
Croque Madame is a perfect choice for a luxurious brunch or even a satisfying dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, providing a light contrast to the richness of the sandwich. Whether you’re in the mood for something indulgent or looking to treat yourself to a bit of French elegance, the Croque Madame is a dish you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread Preferably white bread
- 1 tablespoon butter Softened
- 2 slices Ham Cooked
- 2 slices Gruyere cheese Or any melting cheese
- 1 egg Large
- 1 teaspoon mustard Dijon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Butter one side of each slice of bread and place them buttered side down on a baking sheet.
- Spread mustard on the unbuttered sides of the bread.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each piece of bread.
- Close the sandwich by placing the two halves together, buttered sides out.
- Bake in the oven for about 6-8 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- While the sandwich is baking, fry an egg in a small skillet until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.
- Place the fried egg on top of the sandwich, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
I tried it but the cheese didn’t melt like it should. Maybe my oven’s off?
Maybe try checking the temperature with an oven thermometer? Sometimes they can be off. Love the recipe though!
Cheese melting is tricky. I think you need a more melty cheese like mozzarella, not just gruyere. Just saying.
Yum! Loved it! My kids devoured it in minutes. Will make again for sure!
Too much butter for my liking. Next time, less butter, pls!
Wasn’t what I expected. Seems too fancy for breakfast. Us country folks just like it simple!
I think it’s a nice twist on breakfast! You might just need to give it a try. 🌟
Super easy to make! My kids loved it. Definitely making this again Saturday!
I don’t know man, looks pretty basic to me. How can ya call it a Croque Madame without fancy ingredients? 🤔
That’s awesome! I’m glad your kids liked it. What do you plan to pair it with on Saturday?
This looks good but can I use any cheese? Not sure about Gruyere…
Croque Madame? I thought this was just a fancy name for a breakfast sandwich. Lol.
This recipe is amazing! So easy to follow and turned out delish!
Sounds fancy but isn’t it just a grilled cheese with an egg? Not really impressed.
It was okay, but the cheese barely melted. I think I baked it too long!
This recipe is delicious! I added some spinach for a twist, and it was great. 🙂