Today, I want to share a delightful dish that embodies comfort and flavor: the Croque Madame. This French classic is perfect for brunch or a light lunch, combining crispy bread, savory ham, and a delectable cheese sauce, topped off with a beautifully fried egg. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Croque Madame
Feast your eyes on this scrumptious Croque Madame! This delicious sandwich is layered with flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (preferably sourdough or white)
- 2 slices of ham
- 2 slices of Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by making the béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Gradually add the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Next, assemble the sandwich. Place a slice of bread on a baking sheet, spread a generous amount of béchamel on it, followed by a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. Top it with another slice of bread.
- Spread more béchamel over the top slice of bread and add another slice of cheese.
- Repeat the process for the second sandwich. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
- While the sandwiches are baking, fry the egg in a non-stick skillet to your liking – sunny-side up is a popular choice.
- Once the Croque Madame sandwiches are done, remove them from the oven and place a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Garnish with parsley if desired, slice, and serve hot!
This Croque Madame recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite of this classic dish!