Croque Madame

The Croque Madame is a decadent, French-inspired sandwich that elevates the classic ham and cheese with the addition of a rich, creamy béchamel sauce and a perfectly runny egg on top. It’s ideal for a luxurious brunch or lunch and will quickly become a favorite once you try it.

Ingredients

• • • 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened (divided)

    • 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

    • 1 cup milk

    • 2 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese

    • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

    • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

    • 4 slices white bread, lightly toasted

    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

    • 2 thin slices Black Forest ham

    • 2 large eggs

    • 1 tablespoon water

    • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the broiler
   Set your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler.

2. Make the béchamel sauce
   In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1 ½ tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly browned, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in half of the shredded Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue to heat until the cheese is fully melted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the sandwiches
   Spread about 1 teaspoon of butter on two slices of toasted bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cheese sauce on top of each buttered slice, then layer a slice of ham on top. On the remaining two slices, spread 1 teaspoon of butter on each, then add Dijon mustard and sprinkle with the remaining shredded Gruyere. Place all four slices on a baking sheet.

4. Broil the sandwiches
   Broil the bread in the preheated oven until the cheese is almost melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the oven and assemble the sandwiches by placing the slices together (ham side with mustard side). Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Return to the broiler for another 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to brown.

5. Cook the eggs
   While the sandwiches are broiling, melt the remaining butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet, keeping them separate. Season with salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of water, cover, and cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 2 minutes.

6. Finish and serve
   Top each sandwich with a fried egg and sprinkle with fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving)

• • • Calories      :  639

    • Fat               : 43g

    • Carbs           : 37g

    • Protein         : 25g

This Croque Madame is rich, satisfying, and the perfect indulgence for when you’re craving something truly special. The creamy béchamel, melted Gruyere, savory ham, and runny egg create a harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more!

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