Classic French Croque Madame Sandwich

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This classic French Croque Madame sandwich is crispy, cheesy, and topped with a creamy Parmesan béchamel and a sunny-side-up egg. It’s everything you want in a cozy French-style brunch, buttery toast, savory layers of ham and Gruyère, and rich, melty goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Croque Madame Sandwich:

Perfect for brunch (or anytime) – Whether it’s a slow weekend morning or breakfast-for-dinner kind of night, this one’s always a hit.
Rich, savory, and comforting – Every bite is packed with crispy, cozy, cheesy goodness, all topped with a golden fried egg.

Croque Madame Ingredients:

Bread – Choose thick slices of sourdough, French, or country-style bread.
Ham – Honey ham is traditional, but feel free to use smoked or black forest ham for a different flavor.
Gruyère – The nutty, melty cheese that makes this sandwich shine. Swiss or sharp cheddar are good substitutes.
Dijon Mustard – A thin spread adds a sharp, flavorful kick.
Butter – Used for frying the sandwich and in the béchamel sauce. Salted or unsalted works, just adjust salt as needed.
Garlic – Fresh garlic adds savory depth to the béchamel sauce.
Flour – All-purpose flour thickens the béchamel.
Cream or Milk – Either works for a creamy sauce. Half and half is a great middle ground.
Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan adds richness to the béchamel.
Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg gives the sauce warmth and depth.
Egg – Fried sunny-side-up for the perfect finishing touch.

Dietary Substitutions & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

To make gluten-free: Use a sturdy gluten-free bread (look for one with a hearty texture to hold up to the béchamel), and substitute the flour in the béchamel with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I love Bob's Red Mill's Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, and always keep a bag on hand.
To make dairy-free: Swap butter for a dairy-free margarine. Use dairy-free milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) in the béchamel and dairy-free cheese (like Violife or Daiya) in place of Gruyère and Parmesan.
For lower-fat: Use low-fat milk for a lighter béchamel sauce. Opt for lean turkey or chicken breast in place of ham to reduce fat content.
To make egg-free: Skip the egg entirely or use a vegan egg substitute if you want that similar texture on top.

how to make bechamel for bistro sandwich

How to Make a Croque Madame Sandwich:

Make the Béchamel:
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in 2 teaspoon flour, then slowly whisk in ½ cup cream (or milk). Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.

Pan Fry the Sandwich:
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of bread in the skillet and layer with half of the grated Gruyère, 4 slices honey ham, and the remaining Gruyère. Top with the second slice of bread. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Broil the Sandwich:
- Preheat your broiler. Place the grilled sandwich on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then top with béchamel sauce. Broil for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and golden.

how to make french bistro sandwich with fried egg

Cook the Egg:
- In a separate skillet, melt ½ tablespoon butter over medium heat. Crack 1 large egg into the skillet and cook until the white is set and the yolk is runny, about 2-3 minutes.
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the sandwich is done broiling, place the egg on top. Garnish with fresh chives and a sprinkle of pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Croque Madame Sandwich:

Use Thick Bread: Thick, hearty bread like sourdough or country-style holds up better to the béchamel and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
Don’t Skip the Broiling Step: The broiler adds a bubbly, golden finish to the béchamel sauce and gives the sandwich nice crispy edges.
A Perfect Egg: For a runny yolk, cook the egg on medium-low heat and let it set for just a few minutes, but make sure the whites are fully set. If you like a firmer yolk, cook it a bit longer.

Make Ahead & Storage:

Make Ahead: The béchamel sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before using.
Storage: This croque madame is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat in a skillet over low heat (with the béchamel sauce separately if possible), then broil for a few minutes.
Freezing: Assemble the sandwich (without the egg) and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight, then grill, broil, and fry the egg fresh.

Croque Madame Sandwich FAQ's:

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the béchamel sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you're ready to assemble the sandwich. The sandwich itself is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for 1 day.

What’s the difference between a Croque Madame and a Croque Monsieur?

The only difference is the egg! A Croque Madame has a fried egg on top, while a Croque Monsieur is simply the sandwich with béchamel and cheese.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Gruyère is traditional, but you can swap it for Swiss cheese or white cheddar for a different, but still delicious flavor.

How do I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Use a sturdy gluten-free bread and substitute the flour in the béchamel sauce with a gluten-free flour blend. A 1:1 blend like Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour works well.

More Cozy Brunch Recipes You Will Love:

Tried This Croque Madame Sandwich recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below—your feedback helps others discover this creamy, flavorful dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.

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