Dinner, Lunch

Croque Madame

Servings4

Time to Cook20 minutes

Time to Prepare10 minutes

How do you make a grilled ham and cheese sandwich better? By adding eggs! Our classic Croque Madame pairs shaved ham and Gruyere cheese with creamy béchamel and a fresh fried egg for a decadent spin on grilled cheese.

Ingredients

Béchamel Sauce

2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, divided
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 mL) milk
Pinch each salt, freshly ground pepper and nutmeg
1/4 cup (60 mL) grated Gruyere cheese

Croque Madame

8 slices country loaf
4 tsp (20 mL) Dijon mustard
4 oz (115 g) shaved deli ham
1 cup (250 mL) grated Gruyere cheese
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter, divided
4 eggs
1/4 tsp (1.25 mL) each salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Béchamel Sauce

In saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute.
Slowly whisk in milk, till smooth.
Add salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
Reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in cheese until melted. Set aside.

Croque Madame

Spread 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the Béchamel Sauce on each of 4 slices of bread.
Top each with 1/4 of the ham and 3 tbsp (45 mL) of the cheese.
Spread 1 tsp (5 mL) of Dijon mustard on 4 remaining slices of bread and close sandwiches.
Thinly spread butter 1 tbsp (15 mL) on outside of sandwiches. Fry sandwiches in skillet over medium heat, turning once, for 4 minutes or until golden brown and cheese has melted through. Transfer to baking sheet.
Top each sandwich with 2 tbsp (30 mL) Béchamel Sauce and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of cheese. Broil on high until golden, for 1 to 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, in same skillet, melt remaining butter.
Crack eggs into pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until eggs are sunny side up for 3 minutes or to desired doneness. For tips, check out our Cooking Eggs 101 page!
Top each sandwich with fried egg and serve.