Description
This Croque Madame Sandwich is the ultimate French comfort food made simple. With golden, buttery toast, savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and a perfectly runny fried egg on top, this café-style dish brings a taste of Paris to your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner, it’s elegant yet easy enough for everyday cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices thick white sandwich bread or brioche
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for toasting)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
- 4 slices cooked ham
- 2 eggs
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Béchamel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 4 minutes. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese and remove from heat.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly butter both sides of each bread slice. Toast in a skillet or under a broiler until golden on both sides. Set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread béchamel sauce over two slices of bread. Layer each with ham and a handful of cheese, then top with the remaining bread slices. Spread more béchamel on top and cover with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake Until Golden: Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Fry the Eggs: In a small skillet, cook eggs sunny-side up until whites are set but yolks are still runny.
- Finish and Serve: Place one fried egg on top of each sandwich. Garnish with parsley or chives. Serve warm with a green salad or fresh fruit.
Notes
For a lighter version, use whole-grain bread and low-fat milk. If you prefer a meat-free option, replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. The béchamel can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling. Always use a serrated knife to slice for that perfect, clean cut through the gooey layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Brunch, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop & Oven
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 215mg