Croque Madame

“An indulgent bistro classic featuring creamy béchamel, Gruyère, and a perfectly fried egg.”
Thomy

The Story Behind Croque Madame

The Croque Madame is a quintessential French bistro dish that’s elegant yet approachable. Adding a perfectly fried egg to the classic Croque Monsieur transforms it into a satisfying meal. This recipe highlights the simplicity and sophistication of French cuisine, making it a perfect option for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

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About the Recipe

This Croque Madame combines golden-toasted bread, creamy béchamel sauce enhanced with a splash of white wine and freshly grated Parmesan, and melted Gruyère, topped with a sunny-side-up egg drizzled with truffle oil. It’s a quick yet indulgent recipe that’s easy to prepare at home, offering the perfect balance of comfort and refinement.

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Ingredients

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 250ml whole milk (plus a splash of white wine for depth)
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Sandwich:

• 4 slices of high-quality bread (e.g., brioche or sourdough)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 150g Gruyère cheese, grated (add a touch of freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor)
• 2 slices of ham (optional for vegetarians: replace with spinach or tomato)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying eggs)

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Instructions

1. Make the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps. Simmer until thickened, then stir in a splash of white wine and freshly grated Parmesan. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Assemble the sandwich: Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread. Layer with ham (or spinach/tomato), a generous spoonful of béchamel, and grated Gruyère. Top with the remaining bread slices and drizzle lightly with truffle oil before toasting.
3. Cook the sandwich: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toast each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Fry the eggs: In the same skillet, add a bit of butter and fry the eggs sunny-side-up. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Croque Madame: Place each sandwich on a plate and top with a fried egg. Serve warm.

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Thomy Twist

For a refined touch, enhance the béchamel sauce with a splash of white wine and freshly grated Parmesan. Finish the sandwich with a delicate drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious flavor profile.

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Elevate the Experience

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Why You’ll Love This

This Croque Madame combines the indulgence of melted cheese, creamy béchamel, and a perfectly fried egg in one satisfying bite. It’s simple to make yet offers a taste of refined French cuisine in the comfort of your home.