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+ servings
Croque-Madame

Deliciously Easy Croque-Madame for Your Perfect Brunch

This Croque-Madame is a classic French dish that combines savory ham, Gruyere cheese, and a fried egg for a perfect brunch treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Mornay Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds richness
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Acts as a thickening agent
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
  • 0.25 teaspoon white pepper Provides subtle heat
  • a pinch ground nutmeg Adds warmth
  • 2 cups 2% milk Creates creamy base
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese Star ingredient for flavor
For the Sandwich
  • 4 slices thick-sliced country bread Sturdy foundation
  • 4 ounces fully cooked ham Provides savory flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Optional for tang
For Topping
  • 2 large eggs Fried for richness

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Oven
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbling. Whisk in flour, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg for about 1 minute until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in Gruyere cheese until melted.
  2. Lay out two thick slices of country bread and spread Mornay sauce on each slice. Layer with ham and add Gruyere cheese on top. Spread Dijon mustard on remaining slices and place on top.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place sandwiches inside. Toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melty, pressing down gently with a spatula.
  4. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, spread remaining Mornay sauce on top, and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
  5. In another skillet, heat butter and crack in eggs, cooking until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 25gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor. Pair with a fresh mixed greens salad for a balanced meal.

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