Croque Madame

Name: Croque Madame
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. butter; 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 2/3 c. whole milk, warmed; 1/4 tsp. Pinch kosher salt; 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 c. shredded Gruyère; 4 slices thick brioche or country bread; 2 tbsp. butter, softened; 2 tsp. whole grain Dijon mustard; 1/2 c. Mornay sauce; 6 thin slices ham; 1 c. shredded Gruyère, divided; 1 tbsp. butter; 2 large eggs; Maldon, for sprinkling; Freshly ground black pepper

By June XieUpdated: May 15, 2023

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preview for This Classic Croque Madame Is Ready In 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for the ultimate breakfast sandwich, turn to the croque madame. Filled with all the savory items you could ever want (salty ham, melty cheese, and the signature Mornay sauce) between toasted slices of bread, all you need are a couple of fried eggs to make this breakfast sandwich the stuff of legends. Whether you're craving on upgrade on the classic croque monsieur or are looking for an all-savory breakfast sandwich (sorry, Monte Cristo), we guarantee—the croque madame will not disappoint. Read on for everything you need to know about how to make this epic brunch star:

What’s the difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame?
Literally meaning "mister crunch," the croque monsieur is a treasure trove of textures and flavors: ham, melty cheese, toasted bread. To make your croque monsieur into a croque madame, simply pop a fried egg on top of your sandwich and voila!

How to make a croque madame:
This sandwich stars layers of thinly sliced ham, soft, melty cheese, and an audible crunch as you bite down on the toasted bread. Hidden in plain sight is a traditional Mornay sauce: a béchamel sauce that's been upgraded with melted Gruyère. If you're not a fan of the pungent flavors of Gruyère, feel free to opt for milder Comté.

This sandwich is a lot to handle, so pick a nice, sturdy thick piece of bread (we suggest thick slices of brioche or country bread) to hold everything together.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Yields:: 2 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 10 mins
Total Time:: 30 mins

Ingredients

For the Mornay sauce

1 tbsp.
butter
1 tbsp.
all-purpose flour
2/3 c.
whole milk, warmed
1/4 tsp.
Pinch kosher salt
1/4 tsp.
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 c.
shredded Gruyère

For the Croque Monsieur

4
slices thick brioche or country bread
2 tbsp.
butter, softened
2 tsp.
whole grain Dijon mustard
1/2 c.
Mornay sauce
6
thin slices ham
1 c.
shredded Gruyère, divided

For the eggs

1 tbsp.
butter
2
large eggs
Maldon, for sprinkling
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350°. Make Mornay sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, and cook until sauce thickens, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère. Let cool 10 minutes.
2. Step 2Assemble Croque Monsieurs: In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, toast bread on both sides until lightly golden. Spread half tablespoon butter on each slice, then flip over two slices and spread each with 1 teaspoon mustard and 1 tablespoon Mornay sauce. Top each mustard slice with 3 slices ham, ¼ cup Gruyère, and remaining bread slices. Evenly spread tops of each sandwich with 2 tablespoons sauce, and sprinkle with remaining Gruyère.
3. Step 3Transfer skillet to oven and cook until cheese is melty and top is golden, 15 to 18 minutes.
4. Step 4 In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Crack eggs into skillet and fry until whites are set, 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and top each sandwich with an egg.