If you are looking to make the ultimate ham and cheese sandwich, then look no further than this amazing French Croque Madame Recipe.
We are huge sandwich fans in this, I mean I grew up on lunch meat! If you’re the same then definitely check out my ribeye steak sandwich or a fish po’boy.
Croque Madame
The Croque madame is a delicious sandwich, kind of like a grilled cheese, that originated in France. It’s incredibly easy to make and has been a staple in French cafes and around the world since the 1960s.
Here are the main ingredients used in this sandwich:
- French Bread
- Bechamel
- Ham
- Cheese
- Egg
There are also a few different kinds of cheese you can use as well. I prefer to use a French cheese like Comte, while a lot of other recipes you may find use gruyere. Either works well in this. I also like to add Dijon or whole grain mustard to the sandwich for a nice touch of tang and zest to the Croque madame.
What is the Difference Between a Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur
As fun as these names are to say, the only difference between these sandwiches is an egg. Either a fried or poached egg is served on top of the sandwich in a Croque madame.
How to Make It
Follow these simple instructions to make this delicious Croque madame recipe:
Start by making a homemade bechamel sauce and set it to the side.
Add two slices of bread to a large frying pan over low heat with melted butter and toast the bread.
Spread whole-grain mustard on 1 side of the toasted bread.
Stack ham on top of the mustard on the bread and then ladle on the bechamel.
Evenly sprinkle on the shredded cheese and then place the other toasted bread to the top.
Add some more shredded cheese to the top of the bread and then place under the broiler on low heat on the middle rack for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese and completely melted.
In the meantime, fry, and egg in a small frying pan with oil until it is over easy.
Serve the egg on top of the sandwich and garnish with chopped parsley.
Recipe Chef Notes + Tips
Make-Ahead: This sandwich is meant to be eaten as soon as it is done.
How to Store: Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This sandwich will not freeze well.
How to Reheat: Place the sandwich on a cookie sheet tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 350° for 4-6 minutes or until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave until warm.
Other cheeses you can use are swiss, Emmental, Jarlsberg, Beaufort, or raclette.
You do not need to use mustard, but it does add some great flavors.
Some other great breads to use are sourdough, white, or a boule.
Another variation you can do is swap out the ham with cooked and sliced chicken breasts.
I like to serve up the Croque madame with extra mustard and sliced pickles.
More Ham Recipes
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Video
Croque Madame Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 slices of artisan bread
- 6 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 2 pounds sliced ham
- bechamel recipe
- 4 cups shredded Comte cheese
- 6 fried eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to low heat.
- Add 2 teaspoons of the butter to a very large pan over medium-low heat until melted.
- Add 2 slices of bread to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted and lightly browned.
- Put 2 more teaspoons of butter into the pan and flip the bread over to cook on the other side.
- On two of the pieces of toasted bread add 2 teaspoons of mustard to each spreading it around to cover.
- Add 4-6 ounces of ham to the top of the toast with mustard and then evenly spread/layer on as follows: 4 ounces of bechamel, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, a slice of toasted bread, and finally a ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
- Place under the broiler on low heat on the middle rack for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned.
- In the meantime, fry the eggs to the desired internal temperature.
- Top the sandwich with the fried egg and slice the sandwich and garnish optionally with chopped parsley.
- Repeat the process to make the other 5 sandwiches.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: This sandwich is meant to be eaten as soon as it is done.
- How to Store: Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This sandwich will not freeze well.
- How to Reheat: Place the sandwich on a cookie sheet tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 350° for 4-6 minutes or until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave until warm.
- Other cheeses you can use are swiss, Emmental, Jarlsberg, Beaufort, or raclette.
- You do not need to use mustard, but it does add some great flavors.
- Some other great breads to use are sourdough, white, or a boule.
- Another variation you can do is swap out the ham with cooked and sliced chicken breasts.
- I like to serve up the Croque madame with extra mustard and sliced pickles.
Rehab says
Looks yummy!
So easy!