Croque Monsieur and Madame

 

Croque Monsieur and Madame are a French sandwich which is essentially a grilled cheese and ham sandwich with the addition of a Béchamel Sauce. The only difference between the Monsieur and Madame is that the Madame has a fried egg on top. 

After trying both sandwiches side by side I definitely think the Madame, the one with the egg is best. Something about the dippy egg on top just made the sandwich much better. The original calls for Gruyére cheese but I substituted it for Swiss cheese, which is similar but not as expensive.

Croque Monsieur and Madame

Ingredients:

Béchamel Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 cup milk, hot
• pinch black pepper
• pinch nutmeg

Croques

• 4 slices white bread
• 4 slices ham
• 6 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
• fried egg for Croque Madame
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:

Béchamel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
2. Slowly pour in the hot milk while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk constantly until thickened.
3. Whisk in the pepper and nutmeg. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Croque Monsieur

1. Preheat the oven to 375º F. 
2. Lightly toast the bread and place onto a baking sheet.
3. Place 1 slice of ham on each slice of bread. Spread 1 1/2-2 tablespoons of Béchamel Sauce on the ham. Sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top of each sandwich.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Croque Madame

1. While the sandwiches are in the oven, in a non stick skillet melt the butter over medium-low heat. Crack an egg into the skillet and cover the skillet. Cook until the egg whites are set and yolk is still a bit runny.
2. Once sandwiches are done place an egg on top.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

If your ham is thinly sliced you will want more than 4 slices.

If cooking more than 1 egg you may need more butter.

Nutritional info includes eggs for every sandwich.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 559
Total Fat		34g
Saturated Fat		18g
Trans Fat		4g
Polyunsaturated Fat		2g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		309mg
Sodium		1344mg
Total Carbohydrates		22g
Dietary Fiber		1g
Sugars		6g
Protein		39g
Calcium		47%
Iron		8%
Potassium		488mg
Vitamin A		9%
Vitamin C		1%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Pudge Factor.