Classic Croque Madame With Fresh Egg

If you haven’t tried a Croque Madame before, you are missing out on a delightful and indulgent dish. Originating from French cuisine, Croque Madame is a variation of the classic Croque Monsieur sandwich. This delicious brunch or lunch option is perfect for those looking for a filling, cheesy, and savory treat. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a scrumptious Croque Madame at home.

Ingredients

To make a Croque Madame, you will need the following ingredients:

•  4 slices of bread (preferably white or sourdough)
•  4 slices of ham
•  4 slices of Gruyère cheese
•  4 eggs
•  2 tablespoons of butter
•  2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
•  1 cup of milk
•  Salt and pepper to taste
•  Dijon mustard (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bechamel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add the flour and whisk it continuously for a minute or two, until it turns golden in color.
3. Gradually pour the milk into the saucepan while whisking constantly.
4. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and reaches a smooth consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Croque Madame

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Take the bread slices and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice (optional).
3. Place a slice of ham on top of the mustard.
4. Place a slice of Gruyère cheese on top of the ham.
5. Repeat the previous two steps for the remaining slices of bread, ham, and cheese.
6. Take two assembled sandwiches and spread a generous amount of the prepared béchamel sauce on top of each.
7. Carefully place the other two sandwiches on top, creating a sandwich stack.
8. Spread the remaining béchamel sauce evenly on top of the sandwich stack.
9. Place the sandwich stack on a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven.
10. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the sandwiches turn golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Step 3: Fry the Eggs

1. While the Croque Madame is baking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet.
3. Crack open the eggs and carefully place them in the skillet.
4. Cook the eggs to your preference, whether it’s sunny-side-up or over easy.
5. Season the eggs with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once the Croque Madame sandwiches are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven.
2. Carefully transfer the sandwich stack onto serving plates.
3. Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich stack, adding a final touch of deliciousness.
4. Serve immediately while the sandwiches are still warm and the egg yolks are runny.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made a delectable Croque Madame from scratch. This French-inspired sandwich with its gooey cheese, creamy béchamel sauce, and topped with a perfectly fried egg is a treat for the taste buds. Whether you enjoy it as a brunch dish or for a special lunch, Croque Madame is a delightful choice that will leave you craving for more. So, gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of a homemade Croque Madame. Bon appétit!

Happy Cooking….!