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–+ servings

Croque Madame

Appetizers & Snacks, Snack
Buttery toasted bread layered with vegetarian ham and Gruyère, smothered in creamy béchamel sauce, then grilled until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. The whole thing gets crowned with a fried egg, yolk still runny. It's crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle. Locals love it for good reason: it’s hearty, comforting, and never out of place.
Croque Madame recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients 

Equipment

Instructions

  1. 1. Make the Béchamel Sauce
    In a small saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, then season with a pinch of nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. 2. Assemble the sandwich
    Preheat your grill to high. Lay out two slices of bread and top each with a slice of vegetarian ham and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese. Spread a spoonful of the béchamel sauce over the remaining two slices of bread and place them, sauce-side down, on top of the vegetarian ham and cheese. Press gently to sandwich together.
  3. 3. Cook the Croque
    Heat a little butter in your frying pan over a medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook for a couple of minutes on each side, until golden and crisp. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray and spread the remaining béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich, sprinkle with the rest of the cheese, and place under the grill for 3–4 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.
  4. 4. Fry the Eggs
    While the sandwiches are under the grill, fry the eggs in a little butter or oil in a separate pan, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
  5. 5. Serve
    Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich and serve immediately, with a crisp green salad or a handful of cornichons on the side.

Notes

  • While classic French recipes often call for white bread (pain de mie) to let the flavours shine through, feel free to use your favourite bread, it’ll taste just as delicious. Whether you choose sourdough, wholemeal, or another variety, you’ll still enjoy all the comforting flavours of a true Croque Madame!
  • No ovenproof pan? Assemble the sandwiches on a baking tray and finish them under the grill.
  • Leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case) Reheat gently in the oven for best results.