Gourmet Homemade Brunch: Crafting the Perfect Croque Madame
Enjoy an Elegant Brunch at Home: Delicious Croque Madame Recipe (Includes Croque Monsieur & Béchamel Sauce)
Craving a sophisticated brunch experience at home? Elevate your weekend mornings with this exquisite Croque Madame recipe! It’s the classic Croque Monsieur elevated with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg on top. This recipe will guide you through making a delightful Béchamel sauce and assembling this iconic French toastie. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch treat!
Creamy Béchamel Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 100ml milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)
The Croque Madame
- 2 slices thick sourdough bread
- 2 slices good quality Jambon de Paris (cooked ham)
- 4 Tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 fresh egg
- 2 slices thick sourdough bread
- 2 slices good quality Jambon de Paris (cooked ham)
- 4 Tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 fresh egg
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 Tbsp of butter. Whisk in 1/2 Tbsp of flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Be careful not to let it brown.
Step 2
Gradually pour in 100ml of warm milk, a little at a time, while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
Step 3
Once the roux and milk are fully incorporated and the sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency, stir in 1 pinch of salt, 1 pinch of black pepper, and 1 pinch of nutmeg. Mix well. Your Béchamel sauce is now ready.
Step 4
Take one slice of sourdough bread and spread a generous layer of the prepared Béchamel sauce evenly over one side. Ensure you cover it close to the edges.
Step 5
Lay 2 slices of Jambon de Paris neatly on top of the Béchamel-covered bread. Overlap them slightly if needed.
Step 6
Sprinkle 2 Tbsp of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ham. This will help bind the layers together when it melts.
Step 7
Now, take the second slice of sourdough bread and spread the remaining Béchamel sauce evenly on one side (this will be the inside).
Step 8
Place this second slice of bread on top of the cheese and ham to form a sandwich. Sprinkle the remaining 2 Tbsp of mozzarella cheese on top of the sandwich. Place in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9
While the Croque Monsieur is baking, prepare a sunny-side-up egg in a lightly oiled frying pan. Cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 10
Carefully remove the golden-brown Croque Monsieur from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate.
Step 11
Gently place the prepared sunny-side-up egg on top of the melted cheese in the center of the Croque Monsieur. Pierce the yolk just before serving to let it flow over the sandwich for an extra rich and decadent bite. Enjoy your homemade Croque Madame!
