Croque Madame Recipe (With Video and Step Images)

Servings:

2 sandwiches

A classic hot sandwich from France, the croque madame is a decadent variation on a basic ham and cheese sandwich that includes melty Gruyère cheese, rich béchamel sauce, and a fried egg. The result is a luxurious and filling sandwich that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you enjoy this croque madame recipe for brunch, lunch, or dinner, don't forget to serve it with a fork and knife; the rich sauciness of the sandwich will surely make it difficult to eat with your hands. Pair it with a tangy, crunchy green salad for the ultimate French-inspired meal.

Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel is a traditional French sauce made of butter, flour, and milk. It's also seasoned with nutmeg. Béchamel sauce is paired with many foods, including pasta and vegetables, or used as a base for other sauces. It's considered one of the five French Mother sauces.

What's the Difference Between a Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur?

The croque madame and croque monsieur are both classic French sandwiches. They call for the same ingredients, but the croque madame goes one step further, it's topped with a fried egg. This makes it a tasty breakfast option, though you can certainly enjoy the croque monsieur in the morning as well.

Directions

Croque Madame ingredients — Rachel Marek

Preheat broiler; melt butter:

Preheat the broiler with the rack in the top position. In small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over high heat.

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Add flour to butter:

Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden.

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Add milk and salt:

Add milk and salt and whisk constantly until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

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Add nutmeg and half cheese:

Stir the nutmeg and half the cheese into the sauce.

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Place bread on baking sheet:

Lay the slices of bread on a baking sheet.

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Spread 2 slices with mustard, add ham:

Divide the Dijon between 2 slices and top with ham.

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Divide half sauce between other 2 slices; add cheese:

Divide half of the bechamel between the remaining 2 bread slices and top with remaining cheese.

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Close sandwiches:

Place slice with ham over slices with sauce to close the sandwiches.

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Melt butter and cook sandwiches:

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook both sides until bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.

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Move sandwiches to baking sheet, top with sauce and broil:

Return sandwiches to the baking sheet, top with remaining bechamel, and place under the broiler until bubbly, about 2 minutes.

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Melt remaining butter in same skillet and fry eggs:

Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in the same skillet over high heat. Fry eggs, sunny side up, for about 2 minutes.

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Top sandwiches with egg and serve:

Top each sandwich with a fried egg, season with black pepper, and serve immediately.

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How to Serve Croque Madame

Serve croque madame with a side of leafy greens and a light vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp texture of the greens will balance the richness of the sandwich. You can also serve croque madame with a light vegetable soup to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bread to use for croque madame?

The best bread for a croque madame is a thick, sturdy bread that can handle the decadent ingredients in this sandwich. Brioche and sourdough are great options. Avoid standard sliced bread, as it will be too thin for this sandwich.
Can you substitute Gruyère with another cheese?

Yes, you can use Swiss cheese, gouda, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar cheese instead of Gruyère in a croque madame. We prefer using Gruyère because it melts so well and has a rich nutty flavor but these other cheeses will work.
Can you make croque madame in advance?

Due to the saucy nature of this sandwich, it's not recommended to make it ahead of time. However, you can prepare the bechamel sauce in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
How are you supposed to eat croque madame?

Eating a croque madame is a fork-and-knife meal. Use them to slice the sandwich into bite-sized pieces. You can then pick up the pieces with the fork.