Croque MADAME…
Croque Madame is exactly the same as Croque Monsieur… but with a fried Egg on top!!
And BOTH are just a jazzed-up version of a toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich!!!
We need good melting Cheese… and, as this is found most often in French Cafés…
It’s more often than not made with Gruyère Cheese!!
Some all natural Ham…
A good quality, artisanal Sandwich Bread… I got this at Publix!!
So, start by taking the crust off the Bread…
I find it easier to do when the Loaf is still whole!!
Now slice the Bread quite thinly…
And place on a cookie sheet to brown/toast in a 400 preheated oven!!
Bake for 4 minutes one side…
Then 2 minutes on the other side!!
Now make the Cheese Sauce…
Grate 1 pack of Gruyère…
Add 2 tablesspoons of good, unsalted Butter… and 3 tablespoons of All Purpose Flour…
In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of Milk up to scalding… that’s just before boiling…
Back to the Butter and Flour…
Stir to combine and cook out the raw, flour taste… couple of minutes on a lowish heat…
It will go silky…
Once the Milk has formed small bubbles and swollen slightly, but NOT started to boil… pour it into the roux…
Whisk…
Season…
Grated Nutmeg is a CLASSIC addition to a Cheese Sauce…
I happen to have a special, rather fancy Nutmeg grinder from Williams Sonoma 👍👋👋👋
Mix well…
Then OFF THE HEAT once your sauce has THICKENED… it won’t take long because the Milk is already hot…
Add your Cheeses…
A couple of handfuls of the Gruyère… and a handful of Parmesan…
Get your Toast ready to dress…
Spread some Dijon Mustard over half the slices…
Top with the Ham and some more Gruyère…
Put the lids on… making sure the tops and bottoms are the right way round to match!!
SLATHER your Cheese Sauce on top… and sprinkle the remaining Cheese…
Bake for 5 minutes on 400… then turn on the broiler and finish them for another 3 minutes…
They should be starting to bubble… and spot brown…
Meanwhile… in a dry, non-stick frying pan cook your Eggs…
Take the Croque out… and plate it up…
I top them with the Egg…
And open a can of good organic Tomato Soup…
To go with my sandwiches…
One for me… and One to share!!
🍴😋🍴
