Croque Madame Sandwich Recipe
The Croque Madame Sandwich is a beloved classic from French cuisine, perfect for a luxurious breakfast or brunch. This hearty, savory delight features golden-brown whole wheat bread, melted cheese, creamy béchamel sauce, and a fried egg on top — making it the ultimate comfort food with a French twist. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself on a relaxing weekend morning or impress your guests, this indulgent sandwich brings together the richness of béchamel, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheese, and the deliciously crisp texture of grilled bread. And of course, the crowning glory is the fried egg that adds a touch of sophistication and flavor.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 6 slices |
Whole Eggs | 3 eggs |
Cheese (grated or slices) | 1/3 cup |
Butter (for béchamel sauce) | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
Whole Wheat Flour | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
Milk | 1 cup |
Dijon Mustard | 2 teaspoons |
Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
Butter (for grilling sandwiches) | For cooking sandwiches |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: French
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Diet: Eggetarian
Instructions:
1. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
The béchamel sauce is the creamy foundation of this sandwich, giving it a smooth and velvety texture that elevates every bite.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is fully melted, add in 1 1/2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour. Stir constantly to ensure the flour doesn’t burn. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the flour becomes lightly roasted, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, followed by 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Continue stirring to prevent lumps.
- Keep stirring the mixture until it thickens into a creamy, smooth consistency. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer the béchamel sauce to a serving bowl. Set aside for assembly.
2. Prepare the Sandwiches:
While the béchamel sauce is cooling slightly, it’s time to start assembling the sandwich.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Take 6 slices of whole wheat brown bread and lay them out on a clean surface.
- Spread the béchamel sauce generously over 3 slices of bread. Top with 1/3 cup of grated cheese or place slices of cheese on top of the sauce. Then, cover with the remaining 3 slices of bread to form a sandwich.
3. Grill the Sandwiches:
- Add a couple of tablespoons of butter to the preheated skillet and allow it to melt.
- Once the butter has melted, carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet, pressing them down gently to ensure an even grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted.
- Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle additional béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich while still hot. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese and broil the sandwiches for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese if desired, though this step is optional.
4. Fry the Eggs:
No Croque Madame is complete without the perfectly fried egg on top.
- In the same skillet (or another if preferred), heat a teaspoon of butter or oil over medium heat.
- Crack 3 eggs into the skillet, keeping some space between each egg. You can fry the eggs one at a time if your skillet is small.
- Fry the eggs for about 2-3 minutes, or until the whites are set, but the yolks remain runny. For a firmer yolk, cook a bit longer to your desired consistency.
- Once the eggs are fried, carefully place one egg on top of each grilled sandwich.
5. Serve:
Serve the Croque Madame Sandwich immediately, topped with a beautifully fried egg. This delicious creation pairs wonderfully with a bowl of fresh fruits and a cup of rich espresso coffee for a complete breakfast experience.
Tips for a Perfect Croque Madame:
- Bread Choice: For the best results, choose hearty whole wheat bread that can hold up to the béchamel sauce and cheese. You can also use white bread or sourdough for a slightly different flavor.
- Cheese: While Gruyère cheese is traditional in this sandwich, any cheese that melts well — such as Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar — can be substituted.
- Béchamel Sauce Variations: For a more indulgent version, try adding a dash of grated Parmesan cheese into the béchamel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Egg Preferences: If you prefer a firmer yolk, you can fry the eggs until the yolk is set, or opt for a poached egg for a slightly lighter version of the sandwich.
This Croque Madame Sandwich will surely become a favorite for your next breakfast or brunch. With layers of melted cheese, rich béchamel sauce, and the golden fried egg on top, it’s a perfect way to indulge and enjoy a classic French dish in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy with a cup of coffee, and perhaps a fresh fruit salad on the side, and you’ve got yourself a French-inspired breakfast fit for royalty. Bon appétit!