Want to bring a taste of Paris to your kitchen? Our easy Croque Madame recipe delivers this classic French sandwich with a twist – we’re cooking it on a flat top griddle for perfect, golden-brown results every time.
This isn’t just any ham and cheese sandwich. We’re talking crispy, buttery bread enveloping melty cheese and savory ham, all topped with a perfectly fried egg. Our flat top method ensures an evenly crisp exterior while keeping the inside gooey and delicious.
Croque Madam vs Croque Monsieur?
Not sure what to serve guests? Let them pick from the croque madame or the croque monsieur. Keep this little secret ‘tween us, but the only difference is the fried egg on top. Yup. That’s it. Now you are a master of French cuisine. Go forth and be awesome.
Want more brunch recipe ideas? Try some of my favorite recipes
Croque Madame Ingredients
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- Unsalted utter
- AP Flour
- Whole Milk
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Maple Bacon Spice Blend or Bourbon Molasses Spice Blend
- Freshly Grated Parmesan
For the Croque Madame:
- Loaf Hearty Bread, cut into 1” slices
- Unsalted Butter, divided
- Dijon Mustard
- Havarti Cheese, sliced
- Ham, sliced
- Eggs
How to Make Croque Madame
1. Prep the Bread:
- Arrange the bread slices on a wire rack overnight to dry out slightly for better texture.
2. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent clumps.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spice blend.
- Reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Keep warm.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each bread slice and press into grated Parmesan.
- Heat your griddle and place bread slices, cheese side down.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the top side, place a slice of Havarti, then ham on the griddle.
- As ham crisps, transfer onto the bread.
- Top with another slice of bread, Parmesan side out, and flip to toast both sides evenly.
- Ladle warm béchamel sauce over the sandwiches.
4. Cook the Eggs:
- Fry eggs to your liking on the same griddle.
Croque Madame Recipe Variations
Here are some creative twists to customize your sandwich:
- Cheese Varieties: Swap Havarti for Gruyère, Swiss, or a smoky Provolone to experiment with different flavors and melting characteristics.
- Meat Options: While traditional Croque Madame uses ham, you can try crisp bacon, smoked turkey, or even a layer of prosciutto for a gourmet touch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the béchamel for those who appreciate a little heat.
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Easy Recipe for Croque Madame
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of hearty bread cut into 1” slices
- 5 tbsp butter divided
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp Maple Bacon Spice Blend or Bourbon Molasses Spice Blend
- 2 oz Freshly grated parmesan
- 6 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 6 oz Havarti cheese sliced
- 1 lbs Ham sliced
- 6 eggs
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced bread on a wire rack and place in cool oven or other airtight space, overnight.
- When ready to cook, preheat your griddle cooktop using both burners.
- For the bechamel sauce:
- In a small heavy-duty saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- When butter is done bubbling and melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for one minute.
- Slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid clumps.
- Season with salt and pepper and Maple Bacon or Bourbon Molasses Spice blend.
- Turn heat to low and allow to thicken.
- Keep warm.
- For the Croque Madame:
- Coat one side of the sliced bread with a thin layer of butter and press into the grated parmesan cheese.
- Prep the Griddle cooktop by greasing with the remaining butter, as needed.
- Press the cheese side onto the pre-heated griddle.
- Working quickly, smear the dijon over the other side of the bread. Add a slice of Havarti cheese.
- Lay the ham out onto the cooktop to toast.
- When the ham begins to crisp, transfer it atop half of the bread.
- When the parmesan has toasted, top with a remaining slice, parmesan cheese side out, and flip to brown evenly on all sides.
- Top the sandwiches with the bechamel sauce.
- Crack eggs and fry on the cooktop, alongside the sandwiches.
- Cover and let the bechamel sauce bubble and the eggs set.
- Slide the fried eggs atop the sandwich, season with salt and pepper and serve.
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A delicious recipe. My guests loved it. The egg rings work so well! I love my new griddle.
Oh this looks so delicious. I would love to try this recipe one day. I think it has been many years since I had a croque madame!!
I’ve never heard of this before! It sounds so good and would be great for Mother’s Day brunch.