Name: Croque Madame Recipe on Brioche
Total time: 30 mins
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 0.125 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 2 teaspoons white vinegar; 2 large eggs; 2 (1 inch) thick slices brioche bread; 2 slices deli ham; 2 slices Gruyere cheese; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives, or to taste; 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 slices plum tomato

Croque Madame Recipe on Brioche

Enjoy a delightful twist on the classic French croque monsieur with layers of deli ham, smoky Gruyère cheese, creamy béchamel, and expertly poached eggs, all on soft brioche bread. While fried eggs are traditional in France, I prefer topping mine with poached eggs, fresh chives, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. For a Croque Provençal variation, add sliced plum tomatoes. This dish is a personal favorite that I love making.

Total time30 mins

Prep time5 mins

Cook time20 mins

Yield2 sandwiches, 2

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Season with Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Bring 2 to 3 inches of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, add vinegar, and maintain a consistent simmer. Crack an egg into a small bowl, then carefully slide the egg into the simmering water, holding the bowl close to the water's surface. Repeat with the remaining egg. Cook the eggs for about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, until the whites are firm and the yolks are thickened but still soft. Remove the poached eggs with a slotted spoon, gently pat them dry with a kitchen towel, and place them on a warm plate.
Melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the brioche bread slices and toast until golden brown on both sides. Generously spread the warm bechamel sauce over the toasted bread, then layer with ham and Gruyere cheese. Top each slice with a poached egg.
Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and remove from heat. Allow the sandwich to sit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce and eggs have set.
Serve your Croque Madame immediately, spooning any extra sauce over the eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh chives and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 826 kcal

Fat Content: 57 g

Fiber Content: 2 g

Sugar Content: 13 g

Sodium Content: 1181 mg

Protein Content: 32 g

Cholesterol Content: 378 mg

Carbohydrate Content: 47 g

Saturated Fat Content: 28 g

Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g

Adjust servings

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition