Croque Madame: A Classic French Brunch Delight

Croque Madame is a quintessential French sandwich that elevates the humble ham and cheese toastie to gourmet status. This delicious dish is a variation of the Croque Monsieur, with the addition of a fried or poached egg on top, making it a heartier and more indulgent option. Croque Madame is perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Croque Madame, discuss essential ingredients, provide a step-by-step recipe, and share tips to ensure your Croque Madame is as authentic and delicious as possible.

The History of Croque Madame

The Croque Monsieur, the precursor to the Croque Madame, was first mentioned on French menus as early as 1910. The name “Croque Monsieur” comes from the French Food words “croquer” (to bite) and “monsieur” (mister), translating roughly to “Mister Crunch.” This sandwich quickly became a staple in French cafés and bistros, loved for its simplicity and satisfying flavor.

The Croque Madame appeared later, adding a fried egg on top of the sandwich. The name “Madame” is said to refer to the egg, which resembles a woman’s hat. This version is just as popular and is often preferred by those looking for a more substantial meal.

Essential Ingredients for Croque Madame

To make an authentic Croque Madame, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Sandwich

• 8 slices of white bread (preferably a French-style loaf like pain de mie)
• 4 slices of high-quality ham
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental or Swiss cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying the eggs)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Croque Madame

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Make the Roux: Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Season the béchamel sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Spread Mustard: Lay out the slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice.
2. Add Ham and Cheese: On four of the slices, place a slice of ham, then sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of grated Gruyère cheese on top.
3. Top with Bread: Place the remaining slices of bread on top to form sandwiches, with the mustard side facing inward.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

1. Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, on both sides.
2. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
3. Add Béchamel Sauce: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and spoon a generous amount of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the sauce.
4. Broil: Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 4: Fry the Eggs

1. Heat Butter: In a non-stick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Fry the Eggs: Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook until the whites are set, but the yolks are still runny, about 2-3 minutes. You can cook the eggs sunny-side up, or flip them gently for an over-easy style if you prefer.

Croque Madame A Classic French Brunch Delight

Step 5: Assemble the Croque Madame

1. Top with Eggs: Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
2. Garnish: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the Croque Madame hot, with a side salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Croque Madame

• Use Good-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of Croque Madame means that the quality of the ingredients is crucial. Choose a good-quality ham, fresh eggs, and a flavorful cheese like Gruyère or Emmental for the best results.
• Control the Heat: When making the béchamel sauce and frying the eggs, keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the sauce or overcooking the eggs.
• Customize the Cheese: Gruyère is the traditional choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Emmental, Comté, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Don’t Skip the Béchamel: The creamy béchamel sauce is what sets a Croque Madame apart from a regular ham and cheese sandwich. It adds richness and depth to the dish.

Variations of Croque Madame

Croque Monsieur

The original version of this dish is the Croque Monsieur, which is simply the sandwich without the egg on top. It’s just as delicious and slightly lighter.

Croque Madame au Saumon

Replace the ham with smoked salmon for a luxurious twist on the classic. This variation pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh dill.

Croque Madame with Mushrooms

Add sautéed mushrooms to the sandwich for an earthy, rich flavor. Simply sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic until tender, then add them to the sandwich before grilling.

Vegetarian Croque Madame

For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with sliced tomatoes, spinach, or grilled vegetables. You can also add a layer of caramelized onions for extra sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Croque Madame is an indulgent dish, perfect for a special treat. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 1000mg

Conclusion

Croque Madame is a classic French dish that brings together the comforting flavors of ham, cheese, and eggs with a touch of elegance. Whether enjoyed for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. By following this step-by-step recipe and using high-quality ingredients, you can create an authentic Croque Madame that captures the essence of French bistro cuisine.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, the key to a great Croque Madame lies in the balance of flavors and the careful preparation of each component. Enjoy making and savoring this timeless French dish, and don’t forget to explore more international recipes and cooking tips on our website. Bon appétit!