Croque Madame Recipe
There’s something irresistibly luxurious about a Croque Madame. With layers of savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, bubbling melted cheese, and a sunny egg perched on top, this French café favorite transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
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I’m a sucker for anything that is topped with a fried egg. That runny yolk dripping down is just so satisfying.
The Croque Madame is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly elegant. Crispy bread, creamy sauce, savory ham, melted cheese, and a rich egg topping come together in one unforgettable French comfort dish.
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner, this classic recipe is guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy cravings alike.
Table of Contents
Tips for the Best Croque Madame
- Use Gruyère Cheese. Gruyère melts beautifully and provides the authentic nutty flavor classic to French sandwiches.
- Don’t Skip the Béchamel. The creamy sauce is what elevates this sandwich from ordinary grilled cheese to French bistro perfection.
- Serve Immediately. Croque Madame is best enjoyed hot while the cheese is gooey and the egg yolk is runny.
Variations
Croque Monsieur
Skip the egg topping for the classic original version.
Turkey Croque Madame
Substitute turkey for ham for a lighter twist.
Vegetarian Version
Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of ham.
Spicy Croque Madame
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot honey for extra heat.
What To Serve With This Sandwich: Garlic Butter Noodles, Melon Salad, Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad
What is a Croque Madame?
A croque madame is a French sandwich consisting of ham and cheese, usually Gruyère, topped with a runny fried or poached egg and béchamel sauce.
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Croque Madame
Ingredients
Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Croque Madame:
- 4 slices Sourdough bread
- 6 ham slices
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese shredded
- 2 eggs
- Butter for frying
Instructions
Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the sauce until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- Croque Madame:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toast the bread on both sides in a pan for five minutes.
- Lay out 2 slices of Sourdough bread and spoon a portion of the béchamel sauce over them.
- Top each with ham slices.
- Over the ham sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese on top of the ham.
- Top each with another slice of bread.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel on top of each sandwich.
- Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cooking the Eggs:
- In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat.
- Fry the eggs to your desired doneness (usually sunny side up for a Croque Madame).
- Assembly:
- Place a fried egg on top of each baked Croque Madame.
- Serve hot
Nutrition
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
