How to Cook Croque Madame (French Breakfast Sandwich)

gruyère cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while still melting well.

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey ham

💰Cheaper: bologna

Turkey ham is lower in fat, while bologna is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and can be used for frying.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + powdered milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while powdered milk is cost-effective.

Make the sandwich with 2 slices of crusty bread, a layer of Swiss cheese, a layer of ham, another layer of Swiss cheese, and spread Dijon mustard on the other slice of bread.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan.

Add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux.

Add 1 cup of milk, heat until it simmers and thickens, seasoning with salt, pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Coat another pan with a small amount of butter and place the sandwich in the middle to brown on low heat.

Add more butter before flipping to brown the other side.

Fry 2 eggs sunny-side up until the whites are firm around the yolk.

Pour the béchamel sauce over the sandwich, top with grated cheese, and place under the grill to melt and brown the cheese.

Serve with the fried egg on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens