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!
Ingredients
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
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!