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Indulge in a Classic Croque Madame

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Experience a taste of France with this delectable croque madame. This gourmet sandwich features layers of crispy, buttery bread enveloping melted Gruyère cheese and savory ham, all crowned with a perfectly fried egg. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices country-style or sourdough bread
  • 4 oz high-quality ham (prosciutto or smoked)
  • 4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for béchamel)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • Additional butter for frying

Instructions

  1. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a paste; cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread béchamel sauce on one slice of bread, layer with ham and Gruyère cheese, then top with another slice of bread. Repeat for additional sandwiches.
  3. Fry the Sandwiches: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each sandwich until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side) until the cheese melts.
  4. Cook the Eggs: In another pan, fry eggs sunny-side up until whites are set and yolks are runny (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Serve: Cut sandwiches diagonally and place an egg on top of each half. Drizzle with remaining béchamel sauce and season with salt and pepper before serving warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping Gruyère for cheddar or adding sautéed mushrooms into the sandwich filling. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.