Croque Madame Sandwich Recipe Alex Guarnaschelli Food Network

Cover Croque Madame Recipe Great British Chefs (735x1102)

Table of Contents:

1. What is a Croque Madame?
2. What are the Ingredients for Croque Madame?
3. How to Make Croque Madame?
4. What to Serve with Croque Madame?
5. What is the Difference Between Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur?

What is a Croque Madame?

A Croque Madame is a French sandwich that is made with ham, cheese, and bread, and is typically served with a fried egg on top. The name "Croque Madame" means "crunchy (or crispy) madam" in French, and the sandwich is said to have been invented in Paris in the early twentieth century.

Today, Croque Madame is a popular breakfast and brunch dish in France and around the world. It is a rich and indulgent sandwich that is perfect for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning.

What are the Ingredients for Croque Madame?

The ingredients for Croque Madame are simple and easy to find. You will need:

• Bread - preferably a thick-sliced white bread
• Ham - thinly sliced ham is best
• Cheese - traditionally, Croque Madame is made with Gruyere cheese, but you can also use any other hard, nutty cheese like Emmental or Comte
• Egg - for the fried egg on top
• Butter - for frying the sandwich and the egg
• Milk - for the bechamel sauce (optional)
• Flour - for the bechamel sauce (optional)

How to Make Croque Madame?

Follow these steps to make a delicious Croque Madame:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Make the bechamel sauce (optional) - melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste.
3. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Repeat with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese to make a second sandwich.
4. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Crack an egg into a small bowl and carefully slide it onto the center of each sandwich. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the egg is cooked to your liking.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the sandwiches cool for a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Croque Madame?

Croque Madame is a rich and filling sandwich, so it is best served with something light and refreshing. Here are a few ideas:

• A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
• Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or melon
• A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon

What is the Difference Between Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur?

The main difference between Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur is the addition of a fried egg on top of the sandwich. Croque Monsieur is a simpler version of the sandwich that includes ham, cheese, and bread, without the egg.

Both sandwiches are delicious in their own right, but the addition of the fried egg in Croque Madame adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that is perfect for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning.

Conclusion

Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a rich, indulgent meal. With its crispy bread, gooey cheese, savory ham, and fried egg on top, it is a sandwich that is sure to satisfy.

By following this simple recipe and using high-quality ingredients, you can make a delicious Croque Madame in no time. Serve it with a light salad, fresh fruit, and a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water for a complete and satisfying meal.