Looking for more tasty sandwiches to make for lunch? Try a homemade monte cristo, Cuban sandwich, or pork tenderloin sandwich!
Croque Madame Recipe
A Croque Madame is a ham and cheese sandwich with a twist. It’s got layers of ham and gruyere between crispy sourdough bread, but what makes it special is the creamy béchamel sauce poured on top, and a fried egg crowning it all. Doesn’t that sound like the best combination? If you’re looking for a tasty lunch that’s a bit fancy but totally worth it, you should definitely try a Croque Madame. It’s seriously SO delicious, with that crispy bread, yummy ham and cheese, creamy sauce, and a delicious fried egg on top. It’s a French classic for a reason, and once you taste it, you’ll know why!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ever wanted a fancy upgrade to your usual ham and cheese sandwich? That’s what a Croque Madame is all about. Let’s talk about the ingredients that make it so great.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy taste and helps in browning and flavoring the sauce and bread. All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. Milk: So the béchamel sauce is nice and creamy! It also enhances its flavor and thickness. Salt and Black Pepper: To season your croque madame to taste! Pinch of Nutmeg: Enhances the béchamel sauce with a subtle, warm, and slightly sweet flavor. Good Quality Bread: Forms the main structure of the sandwich. I used sourdough bread, but French bread, brioche bread, or any other type of thick, crusty bread will work great. Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. The perfect complement to the creamy cheese and salty ham! If you don’t have any Dijon on hand, you can also use regular mustard. The flavor will just be a little different. Gruyere Cheese: Provides a milky, nutty flavor that complements the ham and balances the creaminess of the sauce. Deli Ham: For some meaty, savory goodness! Eggs: Not only add protein, but since they’re cooked sunny side up, add some moisture with that tasty runny center.
How to Make a Croque Madame
I know it looks like a lot of instructions for a sandwich, but trust me, it’s so worth it! Once you take a bite of your Croque Madame, you’ll be a believer! (And also want it all the time.)
Bechamel Sauce
Sandwich Assembly
Toast Your Bread: This is one step you don’t want to skip! Toast the bread just right – golden and crispy, so it holds up against the sauce without turning soggy. Be Generous With the Sauce: Don’t hold back on the bechamel sauce – it’s the heart of the Croque Madame. A good drizzle on top and inside layers adds to the creamy goodness. Using Different Cheese: If you don’t have gruyere cheese you can also use shredded swiss! Broil With Care: Keep an eye on the oven while broiling to prevent burning. Your Croque Madame will cook fast! You only want to broil enough to melt the cheese and get a beautiful golden crust on top.
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