Temporal Croque Madame Sandwiches
These elegant croque madame sandwiches are a sophisticated twist on a classic, perfect for a festive special occasion brunch. The rich béchamel, savory ham, and melty gruyére are crowned with a perfectly fried egg, making each bite a delightful journey through flavors and textures. It's a dish that's both comforting and impressive.
Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter one side of each bread slice with the softened butter.
- 2
To make the béchamel: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a pale roux forms.
- 3
Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Arrange 4 slices of bread, buttered-side down, on a baking sheet. Layer each with a quarter of the ham and then a quarter of the grated Gruyère. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered-side up.
- 5
Spoon a generous amount of the béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich, spreading it evenly to cover the bread. Sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
- 6
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sandwiches are golden brown.
- 7
While the sandwiches are baking, fry the eggs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack one egg at a time into the pan and fry until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. Season with salt and pepper.
- 8
Carefully place one fried egg on top of each baked sandwich. Serve immediately.