The first time I ever went to Europe was to visit my best friend who was studying abroad in France. We met up in Paris and the first place we went from the plane was a tiny little cafe. I ordered a croque madam, which is like a croque monsieur but with a fried egg on top. Now it’s one of my favorite decadent brunch sandwich recipes there is.

This recipe includes a small batch bechamel sauce – also known as white sauce – a staple in many French recipes. The main ingredients are butter, flour, and milk. You can make this low in lactose by using lactose-free milk if necessary.

A croque madam is the ultimate comfort food for a big weekend breakfast.

RECIPE

Serves: 2

Ingredients:
-4 slices black forest ham
-4 slices sourdough bread
-2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
-2 thick slices nice aged cheddar
-2 eggs
-Small batch bechemel sauce (listed below)
-Shredded mozzarella or gruyere

Bechemel Ingredients:
-2 tbsp butter
-2 tbsp all purpose flour
-1 cup whole milk
-1 bay leaf
-salt and pepper to taste

Bechemel Instructions:
Melt the butter in your smallest saucepot on medium heat. Add the flour and whisk well. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking well to smooth out the clumps. Once fully incorporated, reduce heat to low and add the salt and pepper and bay leaf. Whisk for a few minutes, until it is nice and thick. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Sandwich Construction Instructions:
Take two pieces of bread per person (I love using homemade sourdough) and spread some spicy mustard of choice on them. Top with ham and shredded cheese. Top with another piece of bread. Melt a little butter in a cast iron skillet and put the sandwiches down in there. Top with the bechamel sauce. Transfer to the oven and broil for a couple minutes (watch it closely). Fry an egg and top it!

Print Recipe

Croque Madam

This French sandwich with a bechamel sauce is the ultimate decadent brunch dish. We always eat it with some form of potatoes and a pickle!

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Breakfast, Brunch

Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

Bechamel Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste

Croque Madam Ingredients

• 4 pieces quality bread
• 4 slices black forest ham
• 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese mozzarella or gruyere
• 2 eggs

Instructions

Bechamel Instructions

• Melt the butter in your smallest saucepot on medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk well.
• Slowly pour in the milk, whisking well to smooth out the clumps. Once fully incorporated, reduce heat to low and add the salt and pepper and bay leaf.
• Whisk for a few minutes, until it is nice and thick. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Sandwich Instructions

• Take two pieces of bread per person (I love using homemade sourdough) and spread some spicy mustard of choice on them.
• Top with ham and shredded cheese. Top with another piece of bread.
• Melt a little butter in a cast iron skillet and put the sandwiches down in there.
• Top with the bechamel sauce. Transfer to the oven and broil on high for a couple minutes (watch it closely).
• Fry an egg and top it!