The Croque Madame, a darling among French bistro fare, is more than just a sandwich—it is a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine golden-brown bread embracing the tender saltiness of ham, smothered in a velvety béchamel sauce that loiters on the edge of decadence. Then, as if this weren’t enough to entice every sense, it’s crowned with a perfectly fried egg, its yolk poised to cascade over the edges with the slightest nudge of a fork.

In the forthcoming paragraphs, I will share with you a Croque Madame recipe that has become a treasured ritual in my home. This is not just about guiding you through the steps of crafting this delightful dish, but about the reasons why we cook, why we gather around the table, and why, sometimes, a sandwich can be so much more than the sum of its parts. So, join me as we embark on a culinary journey to the heart of comfort food, where every bite resonates with the warmth and charm of a French bistro, right here in Foodies of New England.

Croque Madame

Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Add gruyere, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toast bread, add gruyere and ham. Cook until cheese melts. Top with Mornay sauce, broil, and add sunny-side-up eggs. Serve hot.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Course Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 2 people

Calories 354 kcal

Equipment

1 1 qt saucepan

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cup milk
3 oz shredded gruyere 2 oz extra for topping
4 each thin slices gruyere
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper TT
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
4 each slices country bread
1 tablespoon butter
4 each thin slices French ham
4 eggs

Instructions

Melt butter in a 1 qt saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute until smooth.
Slowly pour in milk (cold) while whisking and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and reduce sauce until thicker (about 7 minutes).
Add gruyere 3 oz
Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Meanwhile, butter bread and place onto a griddle to toast. Flip after 3 minutes to toast the other side.
After bread is flipped add 2 slices of gruyere to each toast
Add ham to one side and top with other toast
Allow to cook for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted
Top with Mornay sauce and sprinkle extra Gruyere & broil for less than a minute
Crack eggs onto skillet or griddle and cook to sunny side up (can do more if desired).
Remove from broiler and top each sandwich with 2 eggs. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

The combination of a creamy Mornay sauce, melted cheese, flavorful ham, and perfectly cooked eggs makes the Croque Madame a delightful and satisfying dish

Keyword Bread, sandwich

Cooking Tips

To achieve the best results when making a Croque Madame, it’s important to select quality ingredients. Starting with good bread, such as a thickly sliced white loaf with a sturdy crust, can provide the necessary foundation for the sandwich. It should be able to hold the weight of the fillings and absorb the béchamel without becoming soggy. For the ham, opting for a high-quality, thinly sliced variety offers both flavor and texture without overwhelming the other elements.

For the cheese, a blend of Gruyère or Comté with a bit of Emmental can offer a lovely melt with a slight nuttiness that complements the ham well. When preparing the béchamel sauce, a key component, it’s essential to cook the roux until it’s golden and fragrant before adding the milk to prevent any floury taste. Seasoning the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and white pepper can add depth and warmth.

As for the fried egg that distinguishes a Croque Madame from a Croque Monsieur, cooking it to the desired doneness is a matter of personal preference. However, many find that a slightly runny yolk adds a creamy texture that beautifully contrasts with the crispy edges of the sandwich.

Emotionally, there’s something wonderfully satisfying about cutting into a Croque Madame and seeing the yolk slowly spill over the layers of ham and cheese — it feels like a small moment of culinary joy. It’s a dish that can make one feel pampered, as it combines the simplicity of a sandwich with the luxury of a meal that requires a fork and knife.

In terms of personal opinion, I find that the Croque Madame is a testament to the magic of French cuisine, where simple ingredients are elevated through technique and care. It’s a dish that can warm the heart and please the palate, providing a sense of contentment and gastronomic pleasure. It’s also quite versatile, allowing for slight variations, such as using different types of cheese or adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish.

Serving Suggestion

Croque Madame is a classic French bistro sandwich, which is an elevated version of the Croque Monsieur with the addition of a beautifully fried or poached egg on top. The combination of the rich béchamel sauce, the melted cheese, and the runny egg yolk makes for a luxurious and indulgent meal, making it a dish that can truly stand on its own. However, pairings can accentuate its flavors or provide a contrasting texture or taste to balance the meal.

When considering the provided list of recipes for serving suggestions, we have to look for items that either complement the flavors of the Croque Madame, provide a refreshing contrast, or add a textural variation without overpowering the main dish. Here are some curated pairings from the list:

Soup: The richness of the Croque Madame can be balanced with a lighter soup. Miso Soup or a simple Dashi Eggs based broth could cleanse the palate between bites of the sandwich without competing too much with its flavors.
Salad: Freshness is key to balancing richness—Daikon Salad or a simple Scallion Salad could provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the Croque Madame, especially with a tangy dressing to cut through the fat.
Side of Vegetables: A side like Shio Tare-seasoned or Miso Tare-glazed vegetables (such as bok choy or grilled asparagus) can complement the umami flavor profile of the cheese and ham in the sandwich.
Pickles: QUICK PICKLES would be an excellent acid counterpart to reset the taste buds from the heavy béchamel and cheese sauce.
Beverage: For drinks, Soy Milk, Oat Milk, Rice Milk, or Almond Milk offer subtle sweetness that wouldn’t distract from the meal. An easy Irish Coffee might also serve as a great finish, cutting through the richness with its combination of coffee and whiskey.

To maintain coherence in the meal’s theme and provide the diner with an exciting experience, one might choose complementary flavors or textures from the above suggestions. For instance, serving the Croque Madame with a light Miso Soup to start, followed by a crunchy and tangy Scallion Salad, and ending with an Irish Coffee can provide a progression of different sensations.

FAQs about Croque Madame

What type of bread is used for a Croque Madame? While any good quality white bread can be used, the traditional choice is pain de mie, a type of soft, white bread similar to Pullman loaf or brioche, which has a fine crumb and is slightly sweet.
What kind of cheese is best for a Croque Madame? The best cheese for a Croque Madame is typically Gruyère or Emmental because of their excellent melting properties and slightly nutty flavor. However, some variations may use different types of cheese such as Comté or even cheddar in non-traditional recipes.
What are some common variations of a Croque Madame? Variations of a Croque Madame can include the use of different types of bread, cheese, or additional ingredients like tomato, spinach, or smoked salmon. Some chefs may also incorporate herbs or use different seasoning in the béchamel sauce for a unique twist.
Can a Croque Madame be made vegetarian? A vegetarian version of a Croque Madame can be made by substituting the ham with vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms or spinach, or using vegetarian ham substitutes.
Where can I find a Croque Madame? Croque Madame is a staple in French cafés and bistros around the world. It is also a popular brunch item and can be found in many restaurants that serve French cuisine or specialize in breakfast and brunch offerings.

Additionally, for the perfect base, consider using Bread Machines For Pizza Dough to achieve a consistent and delicious bread texture in your Croque Madame.

In conclusion, the Croque Madame is more than just a sandwich; it’s a delightful symphony of flavors that sings of comfort and sophistication. Each bite offers a tender embrace from the soft brioche, a gentle nod from the creamy béchamel, and a playful wink from the sunny-side-up egg perched on top. This dish manages to balance rustic charm with culinary elegance, making it perfect for a leisurely brunch or a cozy dinner.

Embracing this recipe is like holding a conversation with tradition and innovation—it respects the roots from which it came while allowing personal touches and creativity. The Croque Madame is truly a canvas for expression, whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist. Its universal appeal is a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasures of the table. Bon appétit!

How to Make Croque Madame – Easy and Delicious Brunch Option