Croque Madame
A little crispy, a little classy.
Servings: 2 portions
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 slices sourdough or brioche bread
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 4 slices ham
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper
For the béchamel sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- ¾ cup milk
- Salt and black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For the topping:
- 2 Nulaid eggs
- 1 tsp oil or butter
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
How To Make Croque Madame
Make the béchamel
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Cook until thickened slightly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
Assemble the sandwiches
- Spread Dijon mustard lightly onto the bread slices.
- Layer ham and half the cheese onto two slices of bread, then close the sandwiches.
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Toast sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer sandwiches to a baking tray.
- Spoon béchamel over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Place under the grill (or in the oven) for 3–5 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Fry eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper.
Chefs Tip: Use slightly thicker bread slices so the sandwich holds its structure once topped with béchamel and egg.