Teresa's Recipes
Gourmet Croque Madame
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Gourmet Croque Madame, a luxurious twist on the classic French sandwich. Layers of savory ham and nutty Gruyere cheese are enveloped in perfectly toasted bread, all slathered with a rich, creamy béchamel sauce and crowned with a golden fried egg. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a nod to French culinary tradition, making it a perfect brunch or lunch option that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 slices Sliced bread
- 4 slices Ham
- 4 slices Gruyere cheese
- 4 Eggs
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) Chives
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Brunch
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- 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).
- 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.
- Remove the béchamel sauce from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Meanwhile, assemble the sandwiches.
- Place 2 slices of bread on the skillet. On each slice, layer a slice of ham followed by a slice of Gruyere cheese.
- 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.
- Cook the assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- In a separate skillet, fry the eggs to your desired doneness—sunny-side up is traditional for a Croque Madame.
- Once the sandwiches are cooked, place each on a plate and top with a fried egg.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot, savoring every bite of this decadent dish.
Tips
- For an added layer of flavor, consider using smoked ham or adding a slice of tomato inside the sandwich.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap the béchamel sauce for a light spread of mustard and skip the egg topping.