Gourmet Croque Madame Delight
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of our Gourmet Croque Madame Delight. This elevated take on the classic French sandwich features layers of savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted Gruyère cheese, all crowned with a perfectly cooked egg. Whether you're enjoying it for a leisurely lunch or a cozy dinner, this satisfying dish embodies comfort food at its finest. Pair it with a fresh side salad for a complete meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Watch the accompanying video for visual guidance and tips to perfect your sandwich-making skills.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted for béchamel)
Unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for béchamel)
Milk
3/4 cup (cold, for béchamel, plus 3 tablespoons)
Sea salt
1 small pinch (for béchamel)
Gruyère cheese
2 cups (grated and divided)
Freshly ground nutmeg
1/16 teaspoon (for cheese filling)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (divided)
Slices of bread
4 slices (such as French bread or Brioche)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (for spreading)
Slices of ham
6 slices (for filling)
Butter
1 tablespoon (for cooking eggs)
Large eggs
2 eggs (room temperature for frying)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of cold milk, whisking until the mixture thickens, then slowly incorporate additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is creamy yet spreadable. Transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin formation, and chill for at least 20 minutes.
2
Prepare the Sandwiches: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. In a medium bowl, combine the grated Gruyère, 3 tablespoons of milk, 1/16 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until the cheese absorbs the milk mixture and set aside.
3
Assemble the Sandwiches: Take two slices of bread and spread a thin layer of chilled béchamel on one side. On the other two slices, spread Dijon mustard. Layer 3 slices of ham onto the béchamel side of the first two slices, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Top with the mustard-slathered slices, mustard side down, and gently press together.
4
Finish with Toppings: Spread the remaining béchamel on top of the assembled sandwiches and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Place the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
5
Cook the Eggs: About 5 minutes before the sandwiches are done, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the whites are nearly set, about 2 minutes. Cover and let cook for an additional 30 seconds to set the yolks slightly.
6
Serve: Once the sandwiches are golden and the eggs are cooked, place one egg on top of each sandwich and serve immediately with a fresh side salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Croque Madame Delight?
It is an elevated version of the classic French sandwich featuring ham, creamy béchamel sauce, melted Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly cooked fried egg on top.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What type of bread is recommended for a Croque Madame?
The recipe suggests using 4 slices of French bread or Brioche.
What kind of cheese is used in this gourmet version?
It uses 2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese, divided between the filling and the topping.
How do I make the béchamel sauce?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour for 2-3 minutes, then gradually whisk in milk until the mixture is creamy and spreadable.
Why do I need to chill the béchamel sauce?
The sauce should be chilled for at least 20 minutes to allow it to thicken properly, making it easier to spread on the bread.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking the sandwiches.
How is the cheese filling prepared?
Combine grated Gruyère with 3 tablespoons of milk, nutmeg, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring until the cheese absorbs the liquid.
What seasoning is used in the cheese filling?
The filling is seasoned with 1/16 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I assemble the sandwiches?
Spread béchamel on one slice and Dijon mustard on the other. Layer 3 slices of ham and the cheese mixture inside before closing the sandwich.
What goes on the top of the sandwich before baking?
Spread the remaining béchamel sauce and sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
How long do the sandwiches bake in the oven?
Bake the assembled sandwiches for 10-12 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly.
How should I cook the eggs for the Croque Madame?
Melt butter in a skillet, crack the eggs, season them, and cook for 2 minutes. Cover the pan for 30 seconds to set the yolks slightly.
What should the egg whites look like when finished?
The whites should be nearly set before covering the pan to ensure they are fully cooked but the yolks remain soft.
When do I place the egg on the sandwich?
Place one fried egg on top of each sandwich immediately after they are removed from the oven.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
A fresh side salad is recommended to balance the rich and savory flavors of the sandwich.
Can I use Dijon mustard in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard are used to spread on the bread for extra flavor.
What total amount of milk is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of cold milk for the béchamel plus an additional 3 tablespoons for the cheese filling.
How many slices of ham are used per sandwich?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of ham per sandwich, totaling 6 slices.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on the béchamel?
Cover the sauce with plastic wrap so that it touches the surface while it is chilling.
What is the purpose of cooking the butter and flour for 2-3 minutes?
This step is necessary to remove the raw flour taste from the roux before adding milk.
What pan prep is needed for baking?
Line a baking sheet with foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Is the Croque Madame suitable for dinner?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying dish perfect for a leisurely lunch or a cozy dinner.
At what heat should I cook the eggs?
The eggs should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat.
What temperature should the eggs be before cooking?
The recipe specifies using large eggs at room temperature for frying.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this Gourmet Croque Madame.
Can I find visual guidance for this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions an accompanying video for visual guidance and tips.
Is sea salt used in the sauce?
Yes, a small pinch of sea salt is added to the béchamel sauce.
What is the role of nutmeg in the sandwich?
Nutmeg is used in the cheese filling to provide a classic, subtle spice that complements Gruyère cheese.
What makes this sandwich a 'Madame'?
The addition of a fried egg on top of the sandwich is what distinguishes it as a Croque Madame.