Classic Croque Madame Sandwich

This Croque Madame is my take on the classic French-style brunch sandwich. Ham and cheese between two pieces of golden toast, topped with a cheesy Parmesan bechamel that is then broiled until golden and topped with a sunny-side-up egg.

Why You'll Love This Croque Madame:

• Cheesy, savory, cripsy, creamy. This sandwich has it all.
• Perfect for brunch, date night, or when you're in need of a super comforting dinner. (This is actually the first thing I cooked for Mr. Garlic, nearly 10 years ago!)
• It feels fancy, but is actually pretty easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients:

• Bread: Toasted to create a crispy base. Use a sturdy bread, something like sourdough.
• Deli Ham: Honey ham is traditional, but you can use your favorite. Black forest ham, thick sliced or thin, all work well.
• Gruyere & Parmesan Cheese: Savory, nutty cheeses.
• Butter, Flour, & Cream: Used to make a roux and create the bechamel.
• Dijon Mustard, Garlic, & Ground Nutmeg: Just a small of amount of each adds big flavor, and takes this sandwich to the next level.
• Egg: Fried sunny-side-up and placed on top.

Dietary Swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Swap the bread for your favorite gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free flour to thicken the bechamel. I love Bob's Red Mill's Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour and use it for everything!
• Egg Free: Omit the egg on top and double check all labels on pre-packaged ingredients.

Recipe Variations:

• Make it a Croque Monsieur. Follow the recipe as written, but skip the fried egg on top.
• Add Herbs, such as fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives.
• Make it a little Spicy, by adding pepperjack cheese, and a bit of your favorite hot sauce on top.

How to Make a Croque Madame Sandwich:

• Make the Béchamel, by melting butter in a saucepan. Add garlic and flour to create roux. Add cream and simmer until thick. Add Parmesan cheese and nutmeg.

• Pan fry the sandwich by melting butter in frying pan. Add slice of bread, ham, and gruyere cheese, and second slice of bread. Grill each side for a few minutes until crispy and golden.
• Top sandwich with bechamel and broil a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Fry the egg and place it on top of the sandwich.

Tips:

• Use a thick sturdy bread, such as sourdough or French bread.
• When making the roux, don't let the flour and butter mixture get too dark. Just cook it a minute or so to get rid of some of the flour taste. Whisk continuously while pouring in the cream.
• Don't skip the broiling. This step help the bechamel on top firm up a bit, and gives it a gorgeous golden crust.
• This sandwich is best eaten fresh, but if you do have leftovers you can keep them in the fridge for up to a day.

More Cozy Brunch Recipes You Will Love:

• Cheesy Mushroom Toast
• Butternut Squash Quiche
• Bacon, Blue Cheese, & Potato Puff Pastry Tart with Spicy Honey
• Garlicky Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
• Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Style)
• Honey Whipped Goat Cheese on Golden Butter-Fried Toast
• Cajun Shrimp & White Cheddar Cheese Grits
• Smoked Salmon, Goat Cheese, and Avocado Brunch Salad

Recipe

Classic Croque Madame Sandwich

A rich and cozy French-style sandwich layered with honey ham, melty Gruyère, and creamy Parmesan béchamel, topped with a golden sunny-side-up egg. Perfect for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Brunch, Sandwich

Servings 1 sandwich

Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cream whole milk or half & half
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

For the Sandwich:

• 1 tablespoon butter for grilling
• 2 slices thick-cut bread sourdough, French, or country-style
• 4 slices honey ham
• ¼ cup grated Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese

For the Egg:

• ½ tablespoon butter
• 1 large egg
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh chives chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Begin the bechamel by melting butter in a small saucepan. Cook garlic 30 sec, whisk in flour until smooth, then cream. Add Parmesan, Dijon, nutmeg, whisk 3-4 min until thickened. Set aside.
• Butter skillet, layer bread, half the cheese, ham, remaining cheese, top with second bread slice. Grill 3-4 min per side until golden.
• Place sandwich on parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon bechamel over top, broil 2-4 min until bubbly and golden (watch closely).
• Fry egg sunny-side-up in butter until whites set (or to desired doneness).
• Place egg on sandwich, season, garnish with chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

• This sandwich is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for 1 day and reheated in a skillet or under the broiler.
• Nutrition values are an estimate only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 38gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 255mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g

Keyword croque madame sandwich

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