Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic French café favorite
• Crispy, buttery bread
• Creamy homemade béchamel sauce
• Gooey melted cheese
• Perfect brunch or lunch option
• Elegant yet easy to prepare

Ingredients

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Sandwiches

• 8 slices thick white bread or brioche
• 8 slices quality ham
• 2 cups grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons softened butter

For the Eggs

• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking.
4. Cook until thick and smooth, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sandwiches

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of four slices.
4. Add ham and a generous amount of cheese.
5. Top with the remaining bread slices.

Step 3: Add Béchamel and Cheese

1. Place sandwiches on a baking tray.
2. Spread béchamel sauce over the tops.
3. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese generously over each sandwich.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for:

10–12 minutes

until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For a golden top, broil for:

1–2 minutes

until lightly browned.

Step 5: Fry the Eggs

1. Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Crack in the eggs.
3. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny.
4. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Assemble

1. Place one fried egg on top of each hot sandwich.
2. Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the egg is warm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Mixed green salad
• French fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Fresh fruit
• A cup of coffee or tea

Chef’s Tips

✔ Gruyère cheese provides the most authentic flavor.

✔ Warm the milk before making béchamel to avoid lumps.

✔ Use thick-cut ham for a heartier sandwich.

✔ A runny yolk creates a rich sauce when cut into.

✔ For a lighter version, use whole-grain bread and reduced-fat cheese.

What’s the Difference?

Croque Monsieur

• Ham
• Cheese
• Béchamel
• No egg

Croque Madame

• Ham
• Cheese
• Béchamel
• Topped with a fried egg

Yield

4 sandwiches

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

The Croque Madame is the ultimate French comfort-food sandwich—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a golden fried egg for a luxurious brunch or lunch experience.