Name: Croque Madame: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or sourdough); 4 slices of high-quality cooked turkey or chicken breast; 4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 eggs; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together rich flavors and textures in every bite. The crispy, golden bread contrasts beautifully with the creamy béchamel and melted Gruyère cheese. Adding a fried or poached egg on top adds a luxurious, silky finish that makes this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare and sure to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or sourdough)
4 slices of high-quality cooked turkey or chicken breast
4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 eggs
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

directions

Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare Sandwiches: Layer turkey or chicken breast and cheese between two slices of bread. Repeat for the second sandwich.
Preheat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter.
Grill Sandwiches: Place sandwiches in the skillet and grill until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Add Béchamel: Once sandwiches are golden, place them on a baking sheet. Spoon béchamel sauce generously over each sandwich and top with remaining cheese.
Broil: Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Fry Eggs: While the sandwiches are broiling, fry or poach your eggs to your desired doneness.
Assemble Plates: Once the sandwiches are ready, top each with a fried or poached egg.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired, for a burst of color.
Serve and Enjoy: Present your Croque Madame on a plate and savor every delicious bite!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Cheese Swap: Use Comté, Emmental, or cheddar if Gruyère isn’t available.
Bread Options: Brioche adds sweetness, sourdough adds tang; experiment with your favorite bread.
Add Mustard: Spread Dijon mustard inside the sandwich for an extra layer of flavor.
Egg Style: Try soft-boiled or scrambled eggs as a variation.
Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey or chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.

storage/reheating

Croque Madame is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, warm in a toaster oven or regular oven until heated through and the cheese is melty. Reheat the egg separately or prepare fresh eggs when serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made béchamel sauce?

Yes, pre-made béchamel can save time and works well for this recipe.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Grill the sandwiches well and add béchamel sauce just before broiling to keep the bread crispy.

Can I poach the eggs in advance?

It’s best to poach eggs fresh for optimal texture, but you can poach ahead and gently reheat in warm water.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese or Emmental are good substitutes that melt well and have a similar flavor.

Can I make this vegan?

Try vegan cheese and plant-based milk for béchamel, and skip the egg or use a tofu scramble alternative.

How do I make the béchamel sauce thick?

Cook the flour and butter mixture (roux) well before gradually adding milk and whisking continuously to thicken.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Assemble and grill sandwiches ahead, but add béchamel, cheese topping, and eggs fresh before serving.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes, gluten-free bread works well but watch cooking time as it may toast differently.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild but you can add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the béchamel for heat.

Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?

Yes, thinly sliced tomatoes or sautéed spinach work well as additions.

Conclusion

Croque Madame is a timeless French classic that elevates a simple sandwich with creamy béchamel and a luscious egg topping. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it perfect for any meal of the day. Follow this recipe for a delicious and impressive dish sure to delight family and friends.

Croque Madame: The Amazing Ultimate Recipe You Must Try

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Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich featuring crispy bread, savory turkey or chicken breast, melted Gruyère cheese, creamy béchamel sauce, and topped with a perfectly cooked egg for a rich and indulgent meal.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Method: Grilling, Broiling
Cuisine: French

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Layer turkey or chicken and cheese between two slices of bread. Repeat for second sandwich.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter.
Grill sandwiches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Place sandwiches on a baking sheet. Spoon béchamel sauce generously over each and top with remaining cheese.
Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden.
While broiling, fry or poach eggs to desired doneness.
Top each sandwich with a fried or poached egg.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.