Today, I bring you a super simple recipe with a lot of history: step-by-step instructions for preparing Croque Madame, an elegant sandwich from French cuisine. This is a hot sandwich that, according to history, originated as a variation of its predecessor, the Croque Monsieur, which was first served in a Parisian café in 1910. The name 'Croque Madame' comes from the fact that a fried egg is placed on the top slice of bread, resembling...
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Heat the milk with the chopped onion and bay leaf to infuse flavor.
In a skillet, melt the butter, add the flour, and stir. Gradually pour in the hot milk, straining it first to remove the onion and bay leaf.
Stir continuously with a whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Heat the vinegar and water in a pot. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low.
Create a whirlpool in the center of the water using a long-handled spoon.
Crack an egg into the center of the whirlpool and let it cook until the white sets, about 5 minutes. Repeat for the second egg. Set aside.
In a skillet, melt the butter and toast 2 slices of bread.
Use a round cutter to hollow out one of the toasted slices, reserving the cut-out disk.
On the whole toasted slice, place 2 slices of Emmental cheese, followed by 2 slices of natural cooked ham.
Cover with the perforated slice of bread and top with béchamel sauce.
Place the poached egg on top of the béchamel, then add more béchamel sauce.
Finally, place 1 slice of Emmental cheese on top and bake until the béchamel sauce and cheese are gratinéed.
Ensure the béchamel sauce is smooth and lump-free by whisking continuously while cooking.
Use fresh eggs for poaching to ensure the whites hold together better.
Toast the bread evenly for a perfect texture and flavor.
Gratinate the sandwich until the cheese is golden and bubbly for the best presentation.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Emmental cheese with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a similar flavor profile.
How do I prevent the poached egg from breaking?
Use fresh eggs and create a gentle whirlpool in the water to help the whites wrap around the yolk.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare and serve Croque Madame fresh, but you can make the béchamel sauce ahead of time and reheat it when assembling.
What can I serve alongside Croque Madame?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with this hearty sandwich.
Can I skip the béchamel sauce?
The béchamel sauce is a key component of Croque Madame, but you can replace it with a creamy cheese sauce if preferred.
