Gourmet Croque Madame

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
• Sliced bread (4 slices)
• Ham (4 slices)
• Gruyere cheese (4 slices)
• Eggs (4)
• Chives (2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the béchamel sauce from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
4. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Meanwhile, assemble the sandwiches.
5. Place 2 slices of bread on the skillet. On each slice, layer a slice of ham followed by a slice of Gruyere cheese.
6. Spread a generous amount of the prepared béchamel sauce on the remaining 2 slices of bread and place them on top of the ham and cheese.
7. Cook the assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
8. In a separate skillet, fry the eggs to your desired doneness—sunny-side up is traditional for a Croque Madame.
9. Once the sandwiches are cooked, place each on a plate and top with a fried egg.
10. Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot, savoring every bite of this decadent dish.