Croque Madame

Croque Madame is a tasty breakfast or brunch sandwich that is made with buttery toast, ham, cheese, egg, and a tangy sauce. So many flavors are packed in one tasty sandwich.

This sandwich recipe is similar to a Croque Monsieur that you should give a try if you prefer not to have an egg added to the sandwich. Also, be sure to try making a Grilled Cheese Sandwich as well.

Are you in the mood for a tasty breakfast sandwich?

Then I have just the recipe for you.

And please do not be intimidated by the name 'Croque Madame' because it's a fairly simple sandwich to make. It just requires a few steps in order to assemble this savory sandwich.

It begins by whisking up the bechamel sauce, followed by making a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, and ending with a fried egg on top. This sandwich is perfect for those times when you want a special treat for breakfast or even a late-night delight.

Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Butter - Use any that you have on hand, it can be salted or unsalted. This helps to create the grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It's added to the outside of the sandwich to make it buttery and the bread toasty.
2. All-purpose flour - The base of the bechamel sauce, makes the sauce thick and creamy.
3. Milk - Try using whole milk to make the sauce. It will make the sauce creamy and is mixed with the all-purpose flour to make the sauce thick enough to spread onto the bread.
4. Salt - Brings out the flavors of the sandwich and keeps it from tasting flat.
5. Ground black pepper - Adds a slight flavor of spice and seasons the sauce very well.
6. Ground nutmeg - Adds a nutty flavor to the sauce, be sure not to skip this ingredient.
7. Dijon mustard - Makes the sauce tangy and balances the cream with a bit of acid.
8. Eggs - The eggs are fried in the skillet to add on top of the sandwich before serving. The recipe says to use large eggs, but you can really use any size eggs that you prefer.
9. Bread - Any sliced bread that you prefer will work for this croque madame with fried egg, but try selecting a bread that has thicker slices.
10. Ham - Use thinly sliced deli ham.
11. Cheese - For this recipe, I used bulk Gruyere cheese that I shredded myself using a box cheese grater.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities.

Step By Step Instructions

Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. and grab a small baking sheet. Make the sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has completely melted and is foamy, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 30 seconds.

Slowly add the milk and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and smooth, about 1 minute. Add the salt, ground black pepper, ground nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and adjust the heat to low.

Prepare the sandwiches on a small baking sheet. Spread the butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread butter side down on the baking sheet. On the unbuttered side of each slice of bread, evenly spread a layer of sauce on top and then add ham to each slice of bread.

Add shredded Gruyere cheese over the ham. Top with the remaining slices of bread. Top each sandwich evenly with butter divided among each sandwich.

Place the baking sheet into the oven on the center rack for 5 to 6 minutes, until the bread had lightly browned and the cheese is melted. Carefully remove from the oven.

Evenly top each sandwich with the rest of the sauce, spreading it before topping it with shredded cheese on each sandwich.

Adjust the oven to broil and add the baking sheet back to the oven. Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and begins to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven.

Using a large skillet over medium heat, spray with cooking spray and carefully crack the eggs into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the eggs until all of the whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken about 5 minutes.

Using a spatula, carefully transfer 1 egg on top of each sandwich. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Be sure to use bread that has thick slices. This holds all of the sandwich ingredients and soaks up the sauce really well. You can select sourdough, gluten-free, or any that you prefer.
• Make the sauce over medium heat and whisk continuously until it is thick and creamy. Try to avoid high heat so you won't burn the sauce.
• Adjust the salt, ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg to your preference.
• If you prefer to make the sandwiches on top of the stove in a large skillet then you may do that instead of making them in the oven.

More Recipes You'll Love

• Croque Monsieur
• Toasted Steak Sandwich
• Cheesy Supreme Pizza Rolls
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Croque Madame Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Original post date 11/18/2013. Updated 09/26/2022.