Croque Madame with Side Salad
A classic French brunch dish featuring a crispy grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with creamy béchamel sauce and a perfectly cooked egg. Served with a light, tangy salad of mixed greens, it’s the perfect balance of rich and refreshing — très délicieux!
Ingredients
For the sandwich
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4 slices of good-quality white or sourdough bread
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2 tsp Dijon mustard
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2 tsp butter (softened, for spreading)
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2 tsp butter (for the pan)
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2 slices of quality cooked ham (like Paris ham or jambon de Paris)
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1 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
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2 eggs
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Salt & pepper
For the béchamel sauce:
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp flour
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1 cup milk (warm)
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A pinch of nutmeg
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Salt & pepper
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¼ cup grated Gruyère cheese
Execution
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Make the béchamel sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium flame melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (no browning). Slowly add warm milk, whisking until smooth. Let it thicken, then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cheese. Stir until melted. Set aside. -
Assemble the sandwiches:
Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of the bread slices. Add ham and a liberal amount of grated cheese. Close the sandwich. -
Toast the sandwich:
Heat a bit of butter in a skillet. Toast the sandwich until golden on both sides and the cheese begins to melt. -
Broil it:
Place the sandwich on a baking tray, top with béchamel sauce and extra cheese, then broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and browned. -
Add the egg:
Fry or poach an egg to your liking. Place on top of the sandwich. -
Serve with a simple side salad.
🥗 Simple French Side Salad
Ingredients
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Mixed greens (like arugula, frisée, or mâche)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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3 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper
Method
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Whisk mustard and vinegar together. Slowly add olive oil until emulsified. Season. Toss with greens just before serving.
Additional Tips
✔ Don’t skip the béchamel: It’s what makes it French and fabulous.
✔ Use a good cheese: Gruyère or Emmental are classic. Don’t substitute with basic cheddar.
✔ Broil, don’t bake: You want that golden top.
✔ Egg perfection: A runny yolk adds richness — aim for sunny-side-up or poached.
✔ Preheat everything: This ensures a hot, melty, toasty bite.
Q&A About Croque Madame
What is a Croque Madame?
A: A Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich made with ham, cheese (usually Gruyère), and béchamel sauce, topped with a fried or poached egg. Think of it as the Croque Monsieur’s more decadent, refined relative – luxurious where the original is merely indulgent.
What’s the key difference between a Croque Madame and a Croque Monsieur?
A: The egg! A Croque Monsieur is the same sandwich but without the egg on top. Legend says the ‘Croque Madame’ got its name because the egg on top resembles a proper lady’s wide-brimmed hat.
Can I use different cheese?
A: Yes — while Gruyère or Emmental are traditional, you can use Swiss cheese or a mix with sharp white cheddar. Avoid overly oily or stringy cheeses.
Is it breakfast or lunch?
A: Both! It’s a popular brunch item but works well for lunch or even a light dinner when served with a salad.
Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Definitely. Simply skip the ham or use sautéed mushrooms or spinach as a filling instead. The rest of the components remain the same.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
A: Toast the bread lightly before assembling and don’t overload with béchamel inside the sandwich — save most for the top.
Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can prep the béchamel and assemble the sandwich (without broiling or frying the egg). Store it in the fridge, then broil and top with a fresh egg when ready to serve.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Because it’s the perfect combination of comfort and class. The Croque Madame delivers gooey cheese, savory ham, rich béchamel, and a luscious runny egg—all layered between crispy golden bread. Fancy enough to impress, simple enough to make any night feel special. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself, this iconic French dish turns any morning into a café-worthy experience.
Happy Cooking
Diana
