This classic Croque Madame is a highly sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich filled with ham and creamy Mornay sauce and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. This is a must-try for all egg sandwich lovers and is the ultimate comfort food breakfast. The weekend is coming, so make yourself an outstanding treat.
How to Make Croque Madame
First, you are going to make the Mornay Sauce. In a small saucepan, melt a couple tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in an equal amount of flour and cook for a few minutes. Now, slowly whisk in the milk and simmer over low heat until slightly thickened. This will take about ten minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the gruyére cheese and Parmesan cheese in three parts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm while you assemble the sandwiches.
Breakfast is always a priority at our house. Weekend breakfasts are by far the best because we have the time to kick it up and take it off the charts. This French Croque Madame sandwich is by far one of our favorites. The creamy Mornay Sauce is really the shining star in this recipe. This sandwich takes a little longer to make than your average egg sandwich, but it is well worth the effort.
What is Mornay Sauce?
Mornay sauce is a bechamel sauce with gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, or cheddar cheese added. Bechamel sauce is a rich white sauce made by adding milk to a roux. Often other herbs and flavorings are added to complement the final recipe.
How do you make the Croque Madame Sandwich?
How to Make a Mornay Sauce
Assemble the Croque Madame Sandwich
Prepare the sandwiches on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper. On two toasted slices of bread, spread a thin layer of Dijon. Place two slices of ham on one slice. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of Mornay sauce over the ham. Top with the other slice of toast Dijon side down. Now, top the whole sandwich with a couple more tablespoons of Mornay sauce mixture. Repeat preparing the other three sandwiches.
Complete the Croque Madame with a Fried Egg
Meanwhile, turn the broiler on and prepare four eggs sunny side up in a pan. Cook them until the whites are set, but the yolks are runny. Now pop those sandwiches under the broiler. Watch them closely, as everyone’s broiler is different, and some are unpredictable. Broil until golden brown. Finally, top each sandwich with one sunny-side-up egg. Garnish with fresh chives or dill. Serve immediately.
Can Mornay Sauce be made ahead of time?
For best results, make the bechamel sauce ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Then reheat slowly over low heat. Add just one to two tablespoons of milk if necessary to thin out. Stir frequently, and once hot, whisk in your grated cheese. Then, proceed with the rest of the recipe.
What is the difference between a Croque Madame and a Croque Monsieur?
Well, I thought you would never ask. They are both sandwiches with Dijon mustard, ham, and Mornay sauce. They are layered and cooked the same way, except that the Croque Madame has a fried egg or poached egg on the top. Both are equally delicious and considered a treat.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- If your mornings are crazy busy like mine, give yourself a break and make the Béchamel Sauce ahead of time.
- Use good quality cheese, bread, and ham. It does make a difference.
- Watch the sandwich closely under the broiler. Broilers are very unpredictable, and you don’t want all this work gone to waste.
- You can top the sandwich with poached, over easy, or sunny-side-up eggs.
- To make it a Croque Monsieur sandwich, leave off the egg. Voila!
- Serve promptly so everything is warm, and the bread is still crusty.
So if you love great comfort food sandwiches and eggs, then I suggest you put this one on the list to try as soon as possible. In fact, what are you waiting for? Add the ingredients to your shopping list today.
Other egg recipes you will love!
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Croque Madame
Croque Madame is a delectable toasted sandwich filled with ham and creamy Mornay sauce and topped with a sunny side-up egg. It’s a perfect brunch sandwich for any weekend.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: breakfast
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Mornay Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk warmed
- 3/4 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 pinches nutmeg (optional)
Sandwich
- 8 slices bakery quality white bread
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 8 thin slices deli style ham
- 4 large eggs
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, approximately 8-10 minutes. Whisk frequently to prevent lumps and scorching.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cheese in 3 parts. Season with salt and pepper to taste and if desired, 1-2 pinches of nutmeg. Cover to keep warm while you assemble the sandwiches.
- Prepare the sandwiches on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper. On 2 toasted bread slices, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard. Place 2 slices of ham on 1 slice. Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of Mornay sauce over the ham. Top with the other slice of toast with the Dijon side down. Top the whole sandwich with 2 tablespoons of Mornay sauce. Repeat preparing the other 3 sandwiches.
- Cook 4 eggs sunny side up in a nonstick skillet. Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler. Broil until lightly browned. Stay close by, as broilers are unpredictable. Top each sandwich with one sunny-side-up egg. Sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If your mornings are crazy busy like mine, give yourself a break and make the Béchamel Sauce ahead of time.
- Use good quality cheese, bread, and ham. It really does make a difference.
- Watch the sandwich closely under the broiler. Broilers are very unpredictable, and you don’t want all this work gone to waste.
- You can top the sandwich with poached, over easy, or sunny-side-up eggs.
- To make it a Croque Monsieur sandwich, leave off the egg. Voila!
- Serve promptly so everything is warm, and the bread is still crusty.
Keywords: what is croque madame, how to make croque madame, what is the difference between croque madame and croque monsieur, croque monsieur vs madame
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Erik
The egg on top really sets this apart. Such a fun and fancy meal!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Yes indeed!
Ashley
I saw Anthony from Queer Eye make this in a video one time and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since! Thank you for sharing your recipe and instructions. 🙂
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Ashley! Enjoy!
Nikki
I’m going to impress everyone with this amazing croque madame come Sunday brunch. Yum!
★★★★★
Sandra
Such an amazing brunch idea!! My family loved it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra!
Rhian
I’ve never heard of the variation of a croque madame. It sounds really tasty although I bet the egg makes it a bit of a mess to eat, although a fun mess x
Beth Pierce
You eat it with a fork and knife so not too messy!
Mary Ellen
Mouthwatering delight! Your Croque Madame recipe is a taste bud adventure. The way you’ve detailed the process is fantastic. I can practically savor it! Looking forward to more scrumptious creations like this.
★★★★★
Tammy
Oh this looks absolutely delicious! So cheesy and buttery…perfect breakfast for the weekends with family!
Nadalie
Oh wow! What a delicious sandwich this was! My husabnad and I made this for brunch and we loved it. It is going to be a regular in our house!
★★★★★
Laney
I’ve never heard of or tried a dish like this, it looks so good! I will try this out this weekend.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Laney! Let me know what you think!
Tanya
This classic dish stands as a testament to the marriage of comfort and elegance, making it a must-try for those who adore egg sandwiches. As the weekend approaches, there’s no better time to indulge in this culinary masterpiece. Beth’s clear instructions guide us through crafting the exquisite Mornay Sauce, with the meticulous addition of cheeses that promises a creamy delight. Whether you’re a brunch enthusiast or just looking for an exceptional breakfast, this Croque Madame is an inviting option that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
I could not have said it better myself, Tanya! Thanks for the love!
Karen
I’ve had croque monsieur but never had croque madame…I can’t wait to make it
Yeah Lifestyle
This sandwich is amazing with the delicious mornay sauce and it is made even more tasty with the egg on the top. Who know I could make such an amazing recipe.
★★★★★
Lisa
Thie is my new favorite weekend breakfast. Hubby and I really loved it. I thought it would be difficult to make but it really wasn’t.
Catalina
Oh my goodness! This sandwich is irresistible! I am making it again this weekend! My husband and I loved it!
★★★★★
Ally
One of my favorite meals! Thanks for the easy recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine!
Erik
My new favorite brunch recipe. My girlfriend was so impressed. I served it with fresh fruit and your strawberry mimosas! Delcious!
Kathy Rodrick
Made this for the first time this morning for breakfast for my husband and myself. Easy and absolutely delicious. Didn’t have gruyere cheese so substituted swiss. We both loved it and will make it again. Yum.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kathy! So glad that you and your husband liked it!!
Anna
This is currently our favorite breakfast for the weekends! It’s delicious!
★★★★★
Katie
I know my family would love this one!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
Oh my goodness I used to eat this in Paris all the time! It was so delicious! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
★★★★★
Melissa
This one of my favorite things to have for breakfast! I’m sos happy to have this recipe! Thank you so much!
★★★★★
Kristyn
Love the name & everything about this sandwich!! That sauce is amazing!! This would be fun to serve at a brunch!
★★★★★
April
This is SO GOOD. I could eat them every day.
★★★★★
Annissa
Adding this to my next brunch menu! Thanks for the informative post. I never knew the difference between a croquet madame and a croquet monsieur.
★★★★★
Katie
Looks so good! I know my family will go crazy over this.
★★★★★
Irina
Oh, I have never heard about such a sandwich. It looks and sounds amazingly delicious! I am going to make it for sure! 🙂
★★★★★
Kylie Archer
Merci! Just the recipe I need for my Friday lunch!
★★★★★
Kisha Stewart-Harris
Made this for my husband following the directions exactly, except for the ham (subbed out turkey). When I tell you he was in heaven, I am not playing. I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t get the sauce perfect, but he said it was divine.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Awesome! I am so glad that he liked it! it is a delicious sandwich!
Gladys Nava
Holy moly! That was really amazing! It really perfect for breakfast, and I am sure my family would this be favorite. Mouthwatering! Yummm
★★★★★
Anosa
Oh this croque madame looks so delicious! I need to make this, it looks so good.
★★★★★
Lisa
How yummy is this!! I love making brunch on the weekends, and will be trying out this recipe for my family, it’s so delicious.
Alex Vitte
Im not a big fun of eggs however, this sandwich made my mouth water! It looked so good yum!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Alex! I hope you enjoy it!
Jacque Hooper
What a delicious meal for breakfast! I may actually just have to have this for dinner tonight; looks too good to wait until tomorrow!
★★★★★
Irina
Okay this is totally breakfast goals. Ive been wanting to try something new. Thanks
Heather
If I mae this for my husband he would go nuts. This is the type of thing he often orders when we eat out.
Yeah Lifestyle
Now this sounds like something I have GOT to try. It looks and sounds so delicious!
★★★★★
Alexandra Cook
This looks nice and simple to put together but so delicious! Perfect for a weekend treat!
Sommer
I would enjoy this any time of day! Yum-O!
★★★★★
Danielle Wolter
that egg….omg this looks so delicious. i wish i was eating it right now! it is the weekend though 🙂
★★★★★
Sofia
My gosh the photos are great! I just want to put my hand inside the monitor and take it!
★
Stacie
This is everything I love in a breakfast sandwich and then some. I’ve never had this before, but that’s going to change ASAP!
★★★★★
Sam
Oh my!! Layers and layers of goodness. For REALS! YUM!
★★★★★
Cathy Pollak
This is happening today!
★★★★★
Liz
It’s been years since I’ve made a croque madame, but your photos have me adding all the ingredients to my shopping list! Perfect.
★★★★★
wilhelmina
This is absolutely wonderful! So delicious!
★★★★★
sarah
I am adding this to my brunch menu! Such great tips.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sarah!