Indulge in the ultimate French comfort food with this Classic Croque Madame Sandwich with Creamy Béchamel! This Parisian-style brunch favorite takes a simple ham and cheese sandwich to new heights with a luscious homemade béchamel sauce, melty Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly runny fried egg on top. Whether you’re looking for a decadent breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a gourmet brunch recipe, this Croque Madame delivers rich, buttery flavors in every bite. Pair it with a fresh side salad or crispy fries for the perfect French bistro experience at home!

Last Updated March 3rd, 2025.

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Why You’ll Love this Croque Madame Recipe:

A True French Bistro Classic: This classic French sandwich combines crispy buttery toast, savory honey ham, and rich, melty Gruyère cheese—finished with a golden, runny fried egg for the ultimate indulgence and decadence.
Easy Yet Elegant: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is simple to make at home with a handful of pantry staples. Impress your guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality brunch with minimal effort!
Irresistibly Creamy Béchamel Sauce: A velvety béchamel sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and nutmeg takes this French brunch recipe to the next level, adding a layer of luxurious creaminess to every bite.
Perfect for Brunch or Dinner: Whether you’re craving a sophisticated brunch, or a quick yet satisfying dinner, this Croque Madame with béchamel is versatile and perfect for weekends and week days alike.

Ingredient Notes:

Butter:
- Adds richness to the creamy sauce. Use salted butter for extra flavor or unsalted butter to control the seasoning.
Garlic:
- A touch of minced garlic enhances the béchamel’s depth of flavor. Fresh is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Flour:
- Works as a thickening agent for the sauce. For a gluten-free option, swap with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
Half & Half:
- Creates a rich and silky texture. You can also use whole milk for a lighter version or heavy cream for extra decadence.
Nutmeg:
- A traditional addition to French béchamel sauce, adding warmth and subtle spice.
Parmesan Cheese:
- Gives the sauce a savory, umami boost. Freshly grated is best for a smooth consistency.
Bread :
- Use thick-cut bread like brioche, sourdough, or French bread for the best structure and crispiness. A gluten-free bread alternative can be used if needed.

Honey Ham:
- Adds a slightly sweet, smoky flavor. Black Forest ham, prosciutto, or smoked turkey are great substitutes.
Gruyère Cheese:
- The key ingredient for the signature melty, nutty richness. Swiss or Emmental cheese are good swaps.
Egg:
- The runny yolk is what makes this sandwich the best Croque Madame sandwich! Use large eggs, and cook until the whites set but the yolk stays soft.
Chives:
- A fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and bright color. Parsley or green onions work as alternatives.

Dietary Restrictions & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free:
- Swap out regular bread for your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread or a crusty gluten-free baguette for the best texture.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch in the béchamel sauce to maintain the creamy consistency.
Dairy-Free:
- Replace butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for the sauce and sandwich.
- Use unsweetened dairy-free milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk) in place of half & half.
- Choose a vegan Parmesan and Gruyère alternative, such as Violife or Daiya, for a melty, cheesy topping.
Lower-Carb/Keto:
- Use a low-carb or keto-friendly bread, such as almond flour-based bread or chaffle (cheese waffle) for a grain-free version.
- Replace flour in the béchamel sauce with almond flour or a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken it without adding carbs.
Egg-Free:
- If you prefer an egg-free version, simply make a Croque Monsieur sandwich by omitting the fried egg while keeping the sandwich structure the same.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Cheese Variations:
- Swap Gruyère with Comté, Emmental, or Swiss cheese for a similar nutty, melty texture.
- For a bolder flavor, try using sharp white cheddar or smoked Gouda in this easy Croque Madame recipe.
Meat Variations:
- Instead of honey ham, use Black Forest ham, smoked turkey, or prosciutto for a unique twist.
- Add crispy bacon for extra savory crunch.
Bread Options:
- Upgrade your sandwich by using brioche, sourdough, or a crusty baguette for a more traditional French touch.
- For a heartier bite, opt for whole grain or seeded bread.
Extra Flavor Enhancements:
- Spread Dijon mustard on the bread before assembling for a tangy depth of flavor.
- Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra richness in this French comfort food.
- Sprinkle a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary over the béchamel sauce for a fragrant upgrade.
Make it a Meal:
- Serve with a light side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Pair with crispy French fries or roasted potatoes for a classic bistro-style meal.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Perfecting Your Béchamel Sauce:
- Don’t rush the sauce! Cook the flour and butter mixture slowly to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth béchamel.
- Whisk consistently. Slowly whisk in the cream to prevent any lumps from forming. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more half-and-half to reach the desired consistency.
- Parmesan adds a nutty depth, but don’t hesitate to use a stronger cheese like grana padano for an extra punch of flavor.
Achieving the Perfect Grilled Sandwich:
- For golden, crispy bread, make sure to use enough butter when grilling the sandwich to get that crispy, golden-brown texture.
- Preheat your skillet before adding the croque madame sandwich to ensure even grilling. A cast iron skillet works great for this!
Egg Cooking Tip:
- For a perfectly runny yolk, be sure to cover the pan while frying the egg—this traps heat and ensures the egg cooks evenly without overcooking the whites.
- If you prefer your ham and cheese sandwich with egg more well-done, simply cook it for a few extra seconds.
Broiling for the Perfect Cheese Melt:
- When broiling, keep an eye on the sandwich to avoid burning. The cheese should melt and bubble, just starting to brown at the edges.
- If the top layer of cheese browns too quickly, move the sandwich a bit further from the broiler to slow the process.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare the béchamel sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra cream.
- Assemble the sandwich without the egg and broil it in advance, then top with a freshly cooked egg just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Croque Madame with a freshly tossed salad for a light side or crispy French fries for a classic bistro experience.
- For extra flavor, drizzle a little trufflle oil over the brunch sandwich before serving.

Croque Madame Sandwich FAQ’s:

What is the difference between a Croque Madame and a Croque Monsieur?
- The main difference between a Croque Madame and a Croque Monsieur is the fried egg. A Croque Madame is topped with a sunny-side-up egg, while a Croque Monsieur has no egg. Both are made with the same delicious ingredients, including ham, Gruyère cheese, and a rich béchamel sauce.
Can I make the Croque Madame ahead of time?
- Yes! To make this sandwich ahead of time, prepare the béchamel sauce and assemble the sandwich without the egg. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. When ready to serve, broil the sandwich and cook the egg just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
Can I make the sauce without half-and-half?
- Absolutely! You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream for a lighter option. However, using half-and-half will give you the perfect balance of richness and creaminess for the béchamel sauce.
Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese?
- Yes! If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, you can use Swiss cheese, white cheddar cheese as alternatives. These cheeses have a similar meltability and flavor, making them excellent choices for this sandwich.
How can I make a vegetarian version of the Croque Madame?
- To make a vegetarian Croque Madame, simply omit the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or another veggie of your choice. The rich béchamel sauce and gooey cheese will still provide a satisfying and savory flavor.
What bread works best for a Croque Madame?
- For the best texture, choose a thick-sliced, hearty bread like sourdough, French bread, or country-style bread. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold up to the rich béchamel sauce and melted cheese while maintaining a crispy texture when grilled.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
- Yes! Simply substitute the regular bread for gluten-free bread. Many gluten-free breads, especially those made from rice flour or sourdough-style gluten-free loaves, will work wonderfully for this sandwich.
How can I store leftover Croque Madame?
- While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the bread and melt the cheese again. Add the egg fresh when reheating if you plan to serve it.

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