Croque Madame: A French Classic with a Twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden, forming a roux.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Season: Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Layer Ingredients: On the non-buttered side, place a slice of ham, a generous amount of Gruyère cheese, and then another slice of bread (butter side up). Repeat for the second sandwich.
4. Add Béchamel: Place the assembled sandwiches in a baking dish and pour the béchamel sauce over the top. Sprinkle additional Gruyère cheese on top for a gooey finish.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake the Sandwiches: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 4: Fry the Eggs

1. Fry the Eggs: While the sandwiches are baking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil, and fry the eggs sunny-side up until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate and Garnish: Remove the sandwiches from the oven. Top each sandwich with a fried egg and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve immediately, cutting into the sandwich to let the yolk run into the béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.

Creative Twists on Croque Madame

While the classic version is delightful on its own, consider these variations to elevate your Croque Madame:

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers into your sandwich for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, fontina, or even blue cheese for a bold twist.
• Use Different Meats: Swap out ham for turkey, bacon, or even a veggie patty for a lighter version.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the béchamel sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion: A French Delight to Savor

The Croque Madame is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of French cuisine and culinary creativity. With its creamy béchamel, savory ham, and runny egg, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own personal twist, the Croque Madame is sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner French chef, and indulge in this luxurious breakfast delight!