Croque Madame Sandwich Recipe
The Croque Madame Sandwich is a quintessentially French breakfast that combines rich flavors and textures to create the perfect indulgence. This dish takes the classic Croque Monsieur—a toasted ham and cheese sandwich smothered in a creamy béchamel sauce—and elevates it by adding a fried egg on top, turning it into a “Madame.” While traditionally made with ham, this variation omits it in favor of a simpler, yet equally satisfying, combination of egg and béchamel. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself on the weekend or want something a bit extra to start your day, this sandwich is sure to impress. Simple to make yet bursting with flavors, this Croque Madame Sandwich offers a delightful balance of rich and creamy with the crunch of perfectly toasted bread.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 6 slices |
| Whole Eggs | 3 |
| Cheese (grated or slices) | 1/3 cup |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 teaspoons |
| Nutmeg (ground) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Butter (Salted) | For cooking the sandwiches |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal per serving |
| Protein | ~20g per serving |
| Fat | ~30g per serving |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g per serving |
| Fiber | ~5g per serving |
| Cholesterol | ~150mg per serving |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
-
Making the Béchamel Sauce:
- Start by preparing the béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the whole wheat flour and cook while stirring constantly. Keep an eye on the flour as it should be lightly roasted but not browned. This step should only take a couple of minutes.
- Once the flour is lightly roasted, gradually add the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the nutmeg, then continue stirring until the mixture thickens and takes on a creamy consistency. Once thickened, turn off the heat and transfer the béchamel sauce to a small bowl or dish to keep warm.
-
Assembling the Sandwiches:
- In a cast-iron skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Lay out the whole wheat bread slices on a clean surface. On three slices of bread, spread the creamy béchamel sauce generously, then sprinkle the grated cheese or layer cheese slices on top. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, creating your sandwich.
- Add a tablespoon or two of butter to the hot skillet, and once melted, carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, turning them over once to ensure they are crisp and perfectly toasted on both sides.
-
Finishing Touches:
- When the sandwiches are ready, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle a little extra béchamel sauce over the top, followed by a sprinkle of additional cheese if desired. For an extra indulgent touch, place the sandwiches under a broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese further, if you like.
-
Frying the Eggs:
- In the same skillet (or a separate one), heat butter or oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet, making sure to keep some space between them. Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny (or cook to your desired consistency).
- Place one fried egg on top of each grilled sandwich, completing the transformation into a Croque Madame.
-
Serving:
- Serve the Croque Madame Sandwich immediately while it’s still hot and fresh. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of fresh fruit and a cup of espresso coffee for a perfect French-inspired breakfast. The creamy béchamel sauce and the perfectly fried egg create an irresistible combination that will leave you craving more.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, consider using a sharp gruyère cheese or a combination of gruyère and emmental for a traditional French twist.
- If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap out whole wheat bread for a low-calorie alternative or reduce the amount of cheese in the béchamel sauce.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, any heavy-bottomed frying pan will work just as well to make sure your sandwiches get crispy.
The Croque Madame Sandwich is an elevated breakfast option that adds a touch of elegance to your morning routine. With layers of creamy béchamel, melted cheese, and a perfectly fried egg on top, this French classic is sure to be a breakfast favorite. Whether enjoyed on a leisurely weekend or as a special treat, this recipe is guaranteed to delight every time you make it.
