master-cooks | Traditional Croque Madame Recipe

The Traditional Croque Madame is a classic French bistro dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients, creating a satisfying meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. This dish begins with crusty bread, typically slices of pain de mie or brioche, which are lightly buttered and toasted to a golden brown. The bread is then layered with slices of savory ham and topped with a generous helping of grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese. Once the layered sandwich is assembled, it is either baked or grilled until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer over the crisp bread. A key element that distinguishes the Croque Madame from its counterpart, the Croque Monsieur, is the addition of a perfectly cooked egg on top. Traditionally, this is a fried or poached egg, which is gently placed over the sandwich just before serving. The rich, runny yolk of the egg adds an indulgent touch, blending seamlessly with the melted cheese and ham. Some versions also include a béchamel sauce for extra creaminess. The Croque Madame is often garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, adding a touch of color and a hint of freshness to this decadent dish.

Gather the ingredients for a traditional croque madame

The ingredient list for a croque madame may seem straightforward, yet each element contributes remarkable depth and flavor. Begin with your choice of hearty bread—something mild in taste to allow the bold flavors of the sandwich to stand out. A spread of Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick to enliven the taste, while thinly sliced ham and Gruyere cheese impart the sandwich's signature French elegance and nutty richness. If Gruyere is unavailable, consider using Emmental, Comté, or even Swiss cheese.

Once assembled, the sandwich is grilled in butter until it reaches a golden, crispy perfection, then lavishly topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. This sauce, crafted from a roux of butter and flour, is thinned with milk and seasoned with salt and pepper. For a unique twist, you might add a dash of nutmeg or substitute half-and-half for an even creamier sauce.

To complete the croque madame, a perfectly fried egg is placed on top, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped chives for a burst of color and freshness. You can also experiment with the egg preparation—poached eggs offer an even more delicate texture. The end result is a decadent, melty sandwich that's ideal for a lavish breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Step 1: Prepare the bechamel

Make the béchamel: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Step 2: Add flour

Incorporate the flour and cook while whisking for one minute.

Step 3: Whisk in milk

Lower the heat to low and gradually incorporate the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Cook until thickened

Keep cooking until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add salt and pepper

Mix in ½ teaspoon of salt and ? teaspoon of pepper. Put aside.

Step 6: Heat butter

In a clean skillet, melt ½ tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

Step 7: Toast bread

Put two slices of bread in the skillet and toast them until they are a light golden brown.

Step 8: Top with ham and cheese

Remove the heat. Evenly spread mustard on each slice of bread in the pan, followed by ham and then cheese.

Step 9: Top with bread

Spread mustard evenly on the remaining slices of bread and position them, mustard-side down, on top of the cheese.

Step 10: Transfer to a baking sheet

Place the sandwiches on a small baking sheet and melt ½ tablespoon of butter in the pan.

Step 11: Flip and toast

Turn the sandwiches over and put them in the pan to brown the other sides.

Step 12: Transfer back to baking sheet

Return to a small baking sheet.

Step 13: Turn on oven to broil

Preheat the oven to the broil setting.

Step 14: Top with bechamel

Evenly ladle the béchamel sauce over the sandwiches. (Optional: Sprinkle an extra 2 ounces of Gruyère cheese on top.)

Step 15: Broil

Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the béchamel is lightly browned in places, then transfer to plates.

Step 16: Heat remaining butter

Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.

Step 17: Fry eggs

Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are firm but the yolks remain soft.

Step 18: Top sandwiches

Garnish sandwiches with fried eggs and chives. Serve right away.

What is the difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame?

The croque monsieur and croque madame are akin to family — two classic French sandwiches that share a common base of toasted bread, filled with savory ham and nutty Gruyere cheese, and lavishly topped with a smooth béchamel sauce. The key difference lies in the finishing touch: the croque madame is adorned with a fried or poached egg, which is said to resemble a lady's hat, giving it its name. This egg adds an extra layer of richness, as the creamy yolk blends beautifully with the béchamel and cheese, creating an utterly delectable bite.

While both sandwiches are delightful on their own, the croque madame's egg topping elevates it to a more indulgent level, making it perfect for brunch or whenever you crave a touch of elegance. Typically, both are accompanied by a light side salad to offset their richness, though they are certainly satisfying enough to enjoy solo.

What should I serve with a croque madame?

A croque madame is a decadent sandwich, and pairing it with light, refreshing sides creates a perfect balance to its creamy béchamel, melted cheese, and savory ham. A simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice, providing brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness. Roasted asparagus or green beans also complement the dish beautifully, adding an earthy, fresh touch, while pickled vegetables introduce a zesty crunch.

For a brunch variation, a fresh fruit salad featuring berries, citrus, or melon offers a sweet and refreshing contrast. If you prefer a French-inspired side, a Dijon-style potato salad or sautéed mushrooms can add a rustic charm. These hearty yet subtle accompaniments enhance the croque madame without overshadowing it, resulting in a satisfying and well-balanced meal that is sure to impress your guests.

Traditional Croque Madame Recipe