Savory Deviled Ham Croque Madame with Asparagus
Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of this Savory Deviled Ham Croque Madame with Asparagus. A comforting twist on the classic croque monsieur, this dish features a luscious deviled ham spread, topped with crisp asparagus and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Each serving is crowned with a perfectly cooked egg, adding a delicious creaminess that elevates this meal from simple breakfast to a gourmet delight. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a satisfying lunch that will impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Deli ham
1/2 lb (coarsely chopped)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon
Sweet paprika
1 teaspoon
Fresh parsley
3 small sprigs
Onions
3 tablespoons (grated)
Black pepper
(to taste)
Butter
2 1/2 tablespoons
Flour
2 tablespoons
Whole milk
1 1/2 cups
Salt
(to taste)
Nutmeg
(freshly grated to taste)
Thick bread or brioche
4 slices
Asparagus spears
16 (thin)
Gruyere cheese
2 cups (grated)
Extra large eggs
4
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a food processor, combine the coarsely chopped deli ham, Dijon mustard, Tabasco sauce, sweet paprika, fresh parsley sprigs, grated onion, and a few grinds of black pepper. Process until the mixture is finely chopped and well blended, resembling a spreadable paste.
3
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
4
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season your béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and a touch of freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Remove from heat.
5
On a baking sheet, lay out the slices of thick white or brioche bread. Generously spread the deviled ham mixture evenly over each slice.
6
Top each ham-covered slice with four thin asparagus spears, then generously pour the béchamel sauce over the asparagus and ham, followed by a liberal sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese.
7
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
8
While the croque madames are baking, cook the eggs to your desired doneness—either poached or fried works wonderfully.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and top each sandwich with an egg. Serve immediately, accompanied by cornichons and extra Dijon mustard on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Deviled Ham Croque Madame with Asparagus?
It is a comforting twist on the classic croque monsieur featuring a deviled ham spread, fresh asparagus, and creamy béchamel sauce, topped with a cooked egg.
How do I prepare the deviled ham spread?
Combine coarsely chopped deli ham, Dijon mustard, Tabasco sauce, sweet paprika, fresh parsley, and grated onion in a food processor until it forms a spreadable paste.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What ingredients are needed for the béchamel sauce?
You will need butter, flour, whole milk, salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.
How many slices of bread are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of thick white or brioche bread.
How many asparagus spears are used per sandwich?
Each sandwich is topped with four thin asparagus spears.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese.
How long should the sandwiches bake?
Bake the sandwiches for approximately 15-20 minutes.
How do I know when the Croque Madame is ready?
The sandwiches are done when the tops are golden and bubbly.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs can be either poached or fried to your desired doneness.
What sides are suggested for serving?
Serve the dish immediately with cornichons and extra Dijon mustard on the side.
How much deli ham is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of coarsely chopped deli ham.
What kind of mustard goes into the ham mixture?
Use 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard in the deviled ham paste.
How much Tabasco sauce is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce for a bit of heat.
What size should the eggs be?
The recipe specifies using 4 extra large eggs.
How much milk is used for the sauce?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of whole milk.
How much butter is used for the roux?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 tablespoons of butter.
Is the onion grated or chopped?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of grated onion.
What spices are used in the béchamel?
The béchamel is seasoned with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg to taste.
Can I use brioche instead of white bread?
Yes, thick brioche bread is a great option for this recipe.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 tablespoons of flour.
How many total asparagus spears are required?
The recipe requires 16 thin asparagus spears in total.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the ham and spices into a spreadable paste.
What type of paprika is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 3 small sprigs of fresh parsley.
How do I assemble the layers?
Spread ham on the bread, top with asparagus, pour over béchamel, and add Gruyère cheese.
Should the bread be toasted before assembly?
The instructions recommend laying the slices on a baking sheet and spreading the mixture directly on them before baking.
When is the egg added to the dish?
The egg is placed on top of the sandwich after it has finished baking.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet delight perfect for impressing guests during brunch or lunch.
What is the first step in making the béchamel?
Melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour for about 1 minute.