Croque Madame Deluxe
A delightful variation on the classic French croque monsieur, the Croque Madame is a deliciously indulgent sandwich topped with a perfectly fried egg. This beloved recipe is particularly popular in Belgium, where you can find it on the menu of nearly every café and bistro that serves snacks. With its melty Swiss cheese, savory ham, and rich buttery bread, topped with a creamy fried egg, it's the perfect treat for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack. Dive into this culinary delight that will awaken your taste buds!
1
Servings
450
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread
2 (slices)
ham
1 (slice)
swiss cheese
1 (slice)
egg
1 (fried)
butter
to taste (for spreading)
Instructions
1
Start by spreading a generous layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread; this will create a deliciously golden crust.
2
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a heated skillet.
3
Layer the slice of ham and then the slice of Swiss cheese on top of the bread in the skillet.
4
Cover with the second slice of bread, buttered side up, making a sandwich.
5
Cook over medium heat until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the sandwich carefully to cook the other side until golden and crispy.
6
While the sandwich is cooking, fry the egg sunny side up in a separate pan until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny.
7
Once the sandwich is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Top it with the fried egg.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy your Croque Madame Deluxe!
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
30
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Croque Madame Deluxe?
A Croque Madame Deluxe is a classic French-style sandwich made with ham and Swiss cheese, grilled to golden perfection and topped with a fried egg.
What is the difference between a Croque Monsieur and a Croque Madame?
The main difference is the egg; a Croque Monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, while a Croque Madame adds a fried egg on top.
What type of bread should I use for this recipe?
Slices of white bread or brioche are recommended for their ability to create a deliciously golden, buttery crust.
Which cheese is best for a Croque Madame?
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for its melting properties, though Gruyere or Emmental are also popular.
How do I cook the egg for this sandwich?
The egg should be fried sunny side up in a separate pan until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny.
Is this recipe popular in Belgium?
Yes, it is a very popular snack found on the menus of nearly every Belgian cafe and bistro.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this Croque Madame Deluxe contains approximately 450 calories.
How much fat is in this sandwich?
This recipe contains 25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each sandwich provides about 20 grams of protein.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, with only 5 ingredients and simple instructions, it is considered an easy recipe for any home cook.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter is recommended for the most authentic flavor and a better golden crust.
How long does it take to cook the sandwich?
It takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat to achieve a golden brown color.
Can I add more ham to the recipe?
Yes, you can easily customize the sandwich by adding more slices of ham if desired.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other melting cheeses like Provolone or Havarti.
What is the best way to serve a Croque Madame?
It should be served immediately while the bread is crispy and the egg yolk is still runny.
Is this suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely, the inclusion of a fried egg makes it a perfect hearty breakfast or brunch option.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Cook the sandwich over medium heat and watch it closely, flipping it as soon as it turns golden brown.
Why is it called a Croque 'Madame'?
It is called a Madame because the fried egg on top is said to resemble a lady's hat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard bread with your favorite gluten-free bread variety.
Can I use a sandwich press?
Yes, you can use a sandwich press to grill the sandwich, but the egg must still be fried separately in a pan.
What sides go well with a Croque Madame?
A light green salad or a small serving of French fries are excellent sides for this rich sandwich.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients: bread, ham, Swiss cheese, egg, and butter.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time, but it is best grilled and topped with the egg just before eating.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates in one serving of this recipe.
Is it a heavy meal?
It is a rich and indulgent 'comfort food' dish, making it a very satisfying lunch or snack.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes, turkey makes a great substitute if you prefer it over ham.
Should I salt the egg?
You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the egg while frying to enhance the flavor.
What temperature should the skillet be?
A medium heat setting is ideal to ensure the cheese melts without burning the buttered bread.
Can I add mustard?
Many people enjoy spreading a little Dijon mustard inside the sandwich for extra tang.
Is the egg yolk supposed to be runny?
Traditionally, yes; the runny yolk acts as a delicious sauce for the crispy bread and savory ham.