French Croque Madame

Ingredients (serves 2)

For the sandwich

• 4 slices brioche, pain de mie, or good white bread
• 2–4 slices ham (jambon de Paris if available)
• 100 g (about 1 cup) grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
• 1 tbsp butter, for grilling
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

For the béchamel sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 250 ml (1 cup) milk, warmed
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tbsp grated Gruyère (optional, for a richer sauce)

For topping

• 2 eggs
• Black pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the béchamel
   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
   • Slowly add warm milk while whisking until smooth.
   • Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in extra cheese if using.
2. Build the sandwiches
   • Spread Dijon mustard on the bread if desired.
   • Add ham and grated Gruyère between two slices of bread.
   • Butter the outside of each sandwich.
3. Grill
   • Cook sandwiches in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese melts (about 3–4 minutes per side).
4. Add béchamel
   • Place sandwiches on a baking tray.
   • Spread béchamel over the top.
   • Sprinkle with more Gruyère.
   • Broil/grill in the oven for 2–4 minutes until bubbling and golden.
5. Top with the egg
   • Fry eggs sunny-side up.
   • Place one egg on each sandwich.
   • Finish with black pepper and herbs.