The Croque Madame is a decadent French bistro classic that takes the beloved ham and cheese sandwich to the next level. With crispy buttered bread, layers of smoky ham and melted Swiss cheese, and a perfectly fried egg on top, this dish is both elegant and indulgent. Whether for brunch or lunch, this comforting and flavorful sandwich is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- French Bistro Classic – Experience the rich flavors of a traditional Croque Madame at home.
- Crispy, Buttery Perfection – The bread is toasted in butter until golden brown and irresistibly crisp.
- Melted Cheese & Savory Ham – A delicious combination of Gruyère or Swiss cheese and smoky ham.
- Optional Béchamel Sauce – Adds an extra creamy, indulgent touch.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for brunch or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or sourdough)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 slices ham (preferably smoked or Black Forest)
- 2 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup béchamel sauce (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Bread: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Layer with ham, Swiss or Gruyère cheese, and top with the second slice of bread. Toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Optional Béchamel: If using, spread warm béchamel sauce over the sandwich before adding the egg.
- Fry the Egg: In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and fry the egg sunny-side up until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny.
- Assemble & Serve: Place the fried egg on top of the sandwich, sprinkle with fresh chives, and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Croque Monsieur: Skip the fried egg for a classic Croque Monsieur.
- Extra Creamy: Add more béchamel sauce between the ham and cheese layers.
- Crunchier Crust: Brush the bread with melted butter before toasting for extra crispiness.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the béchamel sauce for a slight heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the bread crisp.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as the bread will become soggy.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Croque Monsieur and a Croque Madame?
A Croque Madame has a fried egg on top, while a Croque Monsieur does not.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Gruyère, Swiss, or Emmental are traditional choices, but cheddar or provolone also work.
Do I need to use béchamel sauce?
No, but it adds extra creaminess. You can skip it for a lighter version.
Can I make this in a panini press?
Yes, press the sandwich until golden and crispy, then add the fried egg on top.
How do I get the perfect runny egg?
Cook the egg on medium-low heat until the whites are fully set but the yolk remains runny.
What type of bread works best?
Brioche, sourdough, or country-style bread work best for texture and flavor.
Can I bake the sandwich instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then broil for an extra crispy top.
What sides pair well with a Croque Madame?
A simple green salad, fries, or roasted potatoes complement the richness of the sandwich.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread and a gluten-free béchamel sauce.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?
Toast the bread in butter before assembling the sandwich to create a crisp barrier.
Conclusion
The Croque Madame is a delicious, rich, and satisfying French sandwich that makes for the perfect brunch or lunch. With layers of melted cheese, smoky ham, crispy bread, and a perfectly fried egg, this dish is both indulgent and easy to make. Whether you keep it simple or add béchamel for extra creaminess, this classic French favorite will never disappoint. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Paris at home!
Print
French Ham & Cheese Sandwich with Egg
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A decadent French bistro classic featuring crispy buttered bread, layers of ham and melted Swiss cheese, topped with a perfectly fried egg and fresh chives. This rich, cheesy sandwich is perfect for an elegant brunch or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or sourdough)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 slices ham (preferably smoked or Black Forest)
- 2 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup béchamel sauce (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice.
-
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
- Layer with ham, Swiss cheese, and the second slice of bread.
- Toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
-
Optional Béchamel:
- If using, spread warm béchamel sauce over the sandwich before topping with the egg.
-
Fry the Egg:
- In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and fry the egg sunny-side up until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.
-
Assemble & Serve:
- Place the fried egg on top of the sandwich.
- Sprinkle with fresh chives and season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a Croque Monsieur, simply skip the fried egg.
- Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or Comté for a more traditional French touch.
- To make homemade béchamel, whisk 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon flour, and ½ cup warm milk over low heat until thickened.
- Serve with a side salad, crispy fries, or a light soup for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Brunch Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
