Dinner

Croque Madame Recipe

Name: Croque Madame Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup Milk; 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter; 2 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour; Salt, to taste; Ground Nutmeg, to taste; 2 slices Rustic Bread; 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard; 2 slices Gruyère Cheese; 3 slices Ham; 1/2 cup Gruyère Cheese (for topping); 1 Egg; 1/2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for frying egg)

ByLuna Ryder December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

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Introduction

The Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich that combines layers of ham and melted Gruyère cheese with a creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with a perfectly cooked egg. It’s a comforting and elegant dish that’s perfect for brunch or a hearty lunch.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich cut in half, each half revealing layers inside. The bottom layer is a fluffy, light brown bread with a slightly crunchy texture. Above the bread are several thin slices of pink ham, stacked neatly. On top of the ham is a sunny side up egg with a bright yellow yolk that is runny and dripping down the sandwich. Melted yellow cheese covers the egg, also dripping slightly, giving a rich, gooey look. The sandwich rests on a white marbled surface with a soft focus background of muted dark colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup Milk
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
Ground Nutmeg, to taste
Salt, to taste
2 slice Rustic Bread
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
2 slice Gruyère Cheese
3 slice Ham
1/2 cup Gruyère Cheese (shredded or grated)
1 Egg

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the béchamel sauce by heating the milk in a saucepan. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 2: When the butter is melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 3: Gradually add the warm milk to the roux while whisking continuously, ensuring the sauce is smooth and free of lumps. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes.
Step 4: Season the béchamel with salt and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Cook down slightly, then set aside.
Step 5: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each slice of rustic bread.
Step 6: Layer a slice of Gruyère cheese on each bread slice, then add the ham slices in the middle.
Step 7: Melt a small pat of butter on a skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread is golden and toasty on both sides.
Step 8: Spread the béchamel sauce on top of the sandwich, then pile the shredded Gruyère cheese over it, reaching the edges. Place under a broiler until the cheese is melted and lightly caramelized—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 9: Meanwhile, heat ½ tablespoon butter in a small pan over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan carefully and cook until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Step 10: Place the cooked egg on top of the sandwich, and serve immediately. Bon appétit!

Tips & Variations

Use thick-cut bread for a sturdier sandwich and extra texture.
Swap ham for turkey or smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.
For a richer béchamel, stir in a little grated Parmesan cheese before assembling.
Cook the egg to your preference—poached or fried—to suit your taste.

Storage

The Croque Madame is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store leftover sandwiches without the egg in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness. Prepare a fresh egg on top before serving.