Croque Madame

Posted by Tarquin Pemberton January 9, 2024
Croque Madame

Background and History

Croque Madame, a classic French bistro dish, is a decadent variation of the Croque Monsieur. Originating in France, this sandwich became popular in the early 20th century and is renowned for its irresistible combination of ham, Gruyère cheese, béchamel sauce, and a perfectly fried or poached egg on top.

Ingredients

4 slices of bread (white or brioche)

4 slices ham

1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

4 eggs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Dijon mustard (optional, for spreading)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble Sandwiches

Lay out the bread slices. Spread Dijon mustard on half of the slices (optional).

Place a slice of ham on each non-mustard-covered slice, followed by a generous sprinkle of Gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining slices to create sandwiches.

Add Béchamel

Pour a layer of béchamel sauce over each sandwich, ensuring an even coating.

Bake

Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Fry or Poach Eggs

While the sandwiches bake, fry or poach eggs according to your preference.

Top with Eggs

Once the sandwiches are out of the oven, place a fried or poached egg on top of each.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~500

Protein: 25g

Fat: 35g

Carbohydrates: 23g

Fiber: 1g

Notes

Croque Madame is traditionally made with Gruyère cheese, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses.

Adjust the thickness of the béchamel sauce to your liking.

Serve with a side salad for a well-balanced meal.

Allergy Warning

Check bread ingredients for potential allergens.

Confirm the ingredients in ham for any allergy concerns.

Adjust the recipe to accommodate lactose intolerance if necessary.

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Tarquin Pemberton, the culinary virtuoso behind this site, carries the distinguished title of Sous-Chef Sensation. With a flair for creating culinary masterpieces, Tarquin brings his expertise to the world of pet cuisine. His site is a treasure trove for pet owners seeking gourmet and health-conscious recipes to delight their beloved companions. Tarquin's passion for crafting exquisite meals is evident in the delectable and thoughtfully curated content he shares. For those who aspire to treat their pets to a culinary adventure, Tarquin Pemberton's site is a testament to the artistry and skill of a sous-chef dedicated to the gastronomic happiness of our four-legged friends.