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Easy Croque Madame sandwich with ham, cheese, béchamel sauce, and fried egg.

Croque Madame

A cozy, savory, and simple French-inspired sandwich featuring ham, cheese, and a perfectly fried egg on top.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: French
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sandwich
  • 4 slices thick sliced white bread, sourdough, or brioche Use whatever bread you have available.
  • 4 slices deli ham or leftover baked ham Thicker ham feels heartier.
  • 1 cup cheese (Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar) Grate your cheese for better melting.
  • 1 tablespoon butter For toasting the bread.
  • 1 pinch Dijon mustard Optional.
  • 1 pinch nutmeg Optional.
  • 1 egg per sandwich Fried for the Madame touch.
For the Quick Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter To melt for the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon flour To thicken the sauce.
  • 3/4 cup milk For the creamy sauce.
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan, stir in 1 tablespoon flour, and cook for about 30 seconds.
  2. Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup milk. Keep stirring until it thickens, about 2 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, whisk in a tiny dab of Dijon mustard.
Building the Sandwiches
  1. Lay out the bread and add ham and cheese. Close the sandwiches. Optionally, spread a thin layer of sauce on the top slice and add extra cheese.
Toasting and Baking
  1. Butter the outside of the bread and toast in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden.
  2. Move the sandwiches to a sheet pan and broil for a minute or two until the top cheese melts. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Frying the Eggs
  1. While the sandwiches broil, fry the eggs in a separate pan to your desired yolk consistency.
  2. Slide one fried egg on top of each sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

Use medium heat for even toasting. Avoid drowning the sandwich in sauce. Grate your own cheese for better melting and monitor broiling carefully.