Croque Madame Ham Cheese Egg (Printable Version)
French sandwich with ham, Gruyère cheese, béchamel sauce, and a fried egg, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sandwich
01 -
8 slices white or rustic bread
02 -
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 -
12 slices quality ham
04 -
2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
05 -
4 large eggs
06 -
Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
07 -
Microgreens, for serving (optional)
08 -
Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving
→ Béchamel Sauce
09 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 -
1.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 -
240 millilitres whole milk
12 -
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
13 -
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
14 -
0.125 teaspoon ground nutmeg
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Set oven temperature to 190°C and position rack in centre.
02 -
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add flour and whisk continuously for 30 seconds. Gradually add milk, whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until sauce is thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and incorporate Dijon mustard, salt, and nutmeg.
03 -
Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Arrange four slices, buttered side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Layer ham and half of the Gruyère over each. Top with remaining bread, buttered side up.
04 -
Transfer baking sheet to oven and bake for approximately 6 minutes or until bread turns golden and cheese melts.
05 -
Evenly spread béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Optionally sprinkle with extra Gruyère. Broil for 3–4 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
06 -
In a clean skillet, melt a small amount of butter or add oil over medium heat. Fry eggs until whites are just set and yolks remain runny, about 5 minutes.
07 -
Top each sandwich with a fried egg. Garnish with chopped chives, microgreens if desired, and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For best flavour, use high-quality ham and freshly grated Gruyère cheese.