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Croque-Madame

Irresistible Croque-Madame: Luxe French Comfort Sandwich

Experience the comfort of Croque-Madame, a delightful French sandwich layered with Gruyere cheese and a fried egg.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mornay Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Can substitute with margarine or olive oil.
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Opt for a gluten-free blend for gluten-free version.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 pinch White Pepper Substitute with black pepper if desired.
  • 1 dash Ground Nutmeg Omit if preferred or use a pinch of cinnamon.
  • 2 cups Milk (2%) Can substitute with whole or almond milk.
For the Sandwich
  • 1 cup Grated Gruyere Cheese Essential for flavor; can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella-Parmesan mix.
  • 4 slices Country Bread Consider sourdough or whole grain.
  • 4 ounces Fully Cooked Ham Can substitute with turkey or roast chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Optional.
  • 4 large Eggs For topping the sandwich.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • large skillet
  • baking sheet
  • spatula

Method
 

Croque-Madame Preparation
  1. Make the Mornay Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling, whisk in flour and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until sauce thickens (5-7 minutes). Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Mix in Gruyere until melted.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread Mornay sauce on four slices of bread. Layer ham and Gruyere on two slices, optionally spreading Dijon mustard. Top with remaining bread slices and spread butter on outer sides.
  3. Toast the Sandwiches: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese melts. Press down with a spatula for even browning.
  4. Broil Them to Perfection: Transfer sandwiches to a baking sheet, top with remaining Mornay sauce and Gruyere. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
  5. Cook the Eggs: In a nonstick skillet, use butter over medium heat. Crack eggs and cook for 2-3 minutes until whites set, yolks remain runny. Place one egg atop each sandwich.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 22gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a crispy finish, reheat leftovers in a skillet or broiler. Consider using different bread types for variety.

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