LE CROQUE MADAME -- le sandwich français le plus emblématique

cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

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, while margarine is often cheaper.

eggs

🥗Healthier: egg whites

💰Cheaper: egg substitute

Egg whites reduce cholesterol, while substitutes can be less expensive.

Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan, then adding the flour and stirring until combined.

Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Season the béchamel with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Assemble the sandwich by placing a slice of ham and cheese between two slices of bread.

Spread some béchamel sauce on top of the sandwich and place it in a heated pan or grill.

Cook the sandwich until golden brown on both sides, then transfer to the oven to finish cooking.

Fry an egg in a separate pan until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.

Top the sandwich with the fried egg before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens