Croque Madame (Ham and Cheese Toasted Sandwich with Fried Egg)

A Croque Monsieur topped with a perfect fried egg, so the soft yolk runs into the cheesy béchamel.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 35 minutes
Vegetarian
❌
Nuts
❌
Serves
2 people
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

  • 4 slices white sandwich bread (or pain de mie)
  • 20g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 slices good-quality cooked ham
  • 120g Gruyère, grated, divided
  • 2 very fresh eggs
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, for frying
  • For the béchamel: 20g unsalted butter
  • For the béchamel: 20g plain flour
  • For the béchamel: 250ml whole milk, warmed
  • For the béchamel: pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • For the béchamel: salt and white pepper to taste

Method

  1. For the béchamel, melt the butter in a small pan, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and simmer for 5 minutes until thick and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt and white pepper, and stir in 30g of the Gruyère.

  2. Heat the grill to medium-high. Toast the bread lightly on both sides, then spread one side of each slice with the softened butter.

  3. Spread the mustard over two slices, then layer each with half the ham and 50g of the Gruyère. Top with the remaining slices, butter-side down.

  4. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray, spoon over the béchamel, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes until bubbling and golden.

  5. While the sandwiches grill, melt the tablespoon of butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and fry the eggs for 2 to 3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

  6. Top each sandwich with a fried egg, season with black pepper and serve immediately.