Croque-Madame is a delicious, elevated take on the classic ham and cheese sandwich hailing from French cuisine. This sandwich is topped with a perfectly fried egg, transforming an everyday sandwich into a decadent brunch or lunch option.
Photos of Easy Croque-Madame (Ham and Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Fried Egg) Recipe
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common. However, Gruyère cheese might not be familiar to everyone. It's a hard yellow cheese, named after the town of Gruyères in Switzerland. Gruyère is sweet but slightly salty, with a flavor that varies widely with age. It is often described as creamy and nutty when young, becoming more assertive, earthy, and complex as it matures. If you can't find Gruyère, you can substitute with Emmental, Jarlsberg, Beaufort or comté.
Ingredients for Easy Croque-Madame: Ham and Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Fried Egg
Sandwich bread: The base of the sandwich, you can use any variety you prefer. Whole grain can add a nice texture.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sandwich. Can be substituted with butter if preferred.
Dijon mustard: A traditional French mustard that adds a tangy flavor.
Gruyère: A type of Swiss cheese, it melts beautifully and has a lovely nutty flavor.
Deli ham: Any sliced ham will work, but a better quality ham will increase the flavor of the sandwich.
Butter: Used to fry the sandwich, giving it a crispy, golden exterior.
Olive oil: Used to fry the egg. It's a healthier oil option, but you can use any type you prefer.
Egg: Fried to perfection, it's what makes a Croque-Madame different from a Croque-Monsieur.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning for the egg and overall sandwich.
Fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the other flavors. Can be substituted with parsley.
One reader, Dorolice Waggoner says:
This croque-madame recipe is a game-changer! The combination of gooey cheese, savory ham, and a perfectly fried egg is simply divine. It's so easy to make and tastes like a gourmet treat. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Techniques Required for Making Croque-Madame
How to make the sandwich: Layer the bread with mayonnaise, mustard, cheese, and ham, and then grill it until golden brown.
How to fry the egg sunny-side up: Heat olive oil in a skillet, crack the egg into the skillet, and cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.
How to serve: Place the fried egg on top of the sandwich, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme, and serve immediately.
How To Make Easy Croque-Madame (Ham and Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Fried Egg)
Croque-madame is a classic French sandwich equivalent to our ham and cheese sandwich. This recipe is topped with a fried egg and perfect for lunch.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2slices sandwich bread,any favorite variety
- 2tbspmayonnaise
- 1tbspdijon mustard
- 2slicesgruyere,or other firm, melting cheese, like comté, emmental, jarlsberg, or enough cheese to cover the bread slices
- 2deli ham,thin slices, like back forest
- 2tbspmayonnaise
- 1½tbspbutter
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1largeegg
- tsppinch salt
- tsppinch black pepper
- 1tbspfresh thyme,or parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Spread both slices of bread with mayonnaise. Flip them over and spread the other side with mustard. Onto one slice of bread, layer a slice of cheese, the ham, and the other slice of cheese.
-
Top with the other slice of bread, mustard-side down. (The mayonnaise sides should face out.)
-
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sandwich. If there is a bacon press, grill press, or panini press, set it on top to weight the sandwich down.
-
Cook for 3 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden. Carefully flip the sandwich in the skillet. Set the bacon press back on top (or press with the flat of a spatula), and cook another 3 minutes or until the underside is golden. Transfer to a plate.
-
Wipe out the skillet. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers and flows easily. Add the egg and cook for 1 minute exactly.
-
Cover the skillet and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds, or until all the whites are set. (A runny yolk is preferred for this sandwich, however cook the egg for longer for a more hard-cooked yolk.)
-
Slide the egg onto the top of the sandwich. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, along with thyme or parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 30495.85kcal
- Fat: 1780.28g
- Saturated Fat: 590.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.73g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 832.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 237.16g
- Carbohydrates: 715.33g
- Fiber: 3.31g
- Sugar: 3.97g
- Protein: 2720.92g
- Cholesterol: 9937.64mg
- Sodium: 170713.49mg
- Calcium: 1838.27mg
- Potassium: 52284.97mg
- Iron: 139.11mg
- Vitamin A: 383.98µg
- Vitamin C: 4.01mg
Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Croque-Madame
When making your croque-madame, it's important to remember that the quality of your ingredients can greatly impact the final result. Opt for a high-quality, full-flavored gruyere and deli ham. Also, using a bacon press, grill press, or panini press can help ensure that your sandwich is evenly toasted and that the cheese melts perfectly. If you don't have any of these tools, applying pressure with your spatula can work just as well. Lastly, for the fried egg, aim for a runny yolk to add a rich, creamy element to the sandwich. However, if you prefer a harder yolk, simply cook it for a bit longer.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Croque-Madame Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the sandwich components in advance, such as grating the cheese, cooking the ham, and even assembling the sandwiches. This way, when you're ready to cook, everything is ready to go.
Use a griddle: Utilize a griddle to cook multiple sandwiches at once, saving time and allowing you to serve everyone simultaneously.
One-pan cooking: Cook the sandwiches and fry the eggs in the same skillet to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Consider making multiple sandwiches at once, especially if serving a group, to expedite the cooking process and ensure everyone gets a hot meal at the same time.
Pre-sliced ingredients: Purchase pre-sliced ham and cheese to eliminate the need for additional prep time, making the process more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Croque-Madame (Ham and Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Fried Egg) Recipe
sandwich bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavor and a chewy texture, which can add a delicious depth to the sandwich.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor while reducing the overall fat content.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor with the added texture of mustard seeds.
gruyere - Substitute with emmental: Emmental cheese has a similar nutty flavor and melts beautifully, making it a great alternative for this recipe.
deli ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can provide a similar savory and smoky flavor while reducing the sodium content.
mayonnaise - Substitute with hollandaise sauce: Hollandaise sauce can add richness and a velvety texture to the dish, complementing the flavors of the other ingredients.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee offers a rich, nutty flavor and can withstand higher cooking temperatures without burning.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying the egg without adding any additional taste.
large egg - Substitute with tofu scramble: Tofu scramble can provide a similar protein-rich component and can be seasoned to mimic the texture and flavor of scrambled eggs.
fresh thyme - Substitute with fresh chives: Fresh chives can add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Croque-Madame
Elevate the sandwich with a gourmet touch: This dish can be presented as an open-faced sandwich, with the layers of ham, cheese, and egg visible. This allows the ingredients to be showcased and appreciated individually.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped chives or microgreens to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the presentation.
Incorporate a side salad: Serve the croque-madame alongside a small, elegantly plated side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing element to the dish and balances the richness of the sandwich.
Utilize elegant plating: Present the croque-madame on a sleek, white plate, allowing the golden-brown sandwich and vibrant egg yolk to stand out visually.
Add a drizzle of sauce: Drizzle a small amount of truffle-infused oil or a delicate béchamel sauce around the plate for an added touch of sophistication and flavor enhancement.
How To Reheat Croque-Madame Leftovers
To reheat a leftover croque-madame, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through. This method will help maintain the crispiness of the bread while ensuring the filling is hot and gooey.
Alternatively, you can use a panini press or a grill pan to reheat your croque-madame. Preheat the press or pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich inside and press down firmly. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method will give you a freshly grilled taste and texture.
If you want to reheat the sandwich in a microwave, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through. However, keep in mind that the bread may become soggy in the microwave, so it's not the ideal method for maintaining the original texture of the croque-madame.
For the sunny-side up egg, it's best to fry a fresh one just before serving the reheated sandwich. This will ensure that the yolk remains runny and the whites are perfectly set. Simply follow the original recipe instructions for frying the egg and place it on top of the reheated sandwich before serving.
If you have multiple leftover croque-madames, you can reheat them all at once in the oven. Arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. This method is perfect for serving a crowd or preparing a quick and easy lunch.
Random Fact About Croque-Madame
The Croque-Madame is a French dish that originated in Paris. It is a variation of the Croque-Monsieur, which is essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The Croque-Madame is distinguished by the addition of a fried or poached egg on top. This dish is a popular brunch item in France and is known for its rich and indulgent flavors. It is believed to have been created in the early 20th century and has since become a beloved classic in French cuisine.
Is Making Croque-Madame at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this croque-madame recipe largely depends on the quality of ingredients used. While gruyere and deli ham can be pricier, the versatility of these ingredients in other dishes can justify the cost. The use of mayonnaise and mustard is economical, and the dish can be made with variations to suit different budgets. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, factoring in the quality of ingredients and potential leftovers for other meals.
Is This Croque-Madame Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The croque-madame recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe includes butter, mayonnaise, and cheese, all of which are high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Processed meat: Deli ham is a processed meat, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and other health problems when consumed regularly.
- Refined carbohydrates: White sandwich bread is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- High in calories: The combination of high-fat ingredients and refined carbohydrates makes this sandwich calorie-dense, which can lead to weight gain if consumed frequently.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap white sandwich bread for whole-grain bread to increase fiber intake and slow down the absorption of carbohydrates.
- Use a reduced-fat cheese or a smaller amount of regular cheese to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Replace mayonnaise with a healthier spread, such as mashed avocado or hummus, to reduce saturated fat and add beneficial nutrients.
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as sliced turkey or grilled chicken, instead of deli ham to reduce the intake of processed meats.
- Add some vegetables to the sandwich, such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or spinach, to increase the nutrient content and add fiber.
- Use a smaller amount of butter or replace it with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil, when frying the sandwich and egg.
- Serve the sandwich with a side salad or vegetable-based soup to balance the meal and add more nutrients.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Croque-Madame Recipe
This recipe for an easy croque-madame is a delightful take on a classic French dish. The combination of gooey gruyere, savory ham, and the richness of the fried egg creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The use of mayonnaise on the bread adds a wonderful crispness, and the touch of Dijon mustard provides a perfect balance of tanginess. The addition of fresh thyme elevates the dish with its aromatic essence. Overall, this recipe is a winner, offering a simple yet indulgent meal that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Easy Croque-Madame (Ham and Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Fried Egg) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Croque-Madame
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Croque-Madame
Why trust this Easy Croque-Madame (Ham and Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Fried Egg) Recipe:
This recipe is a classic croque-madame with a delicious twist. The combination of gruyere cheese, savory ham, and the creamy texture of the fried egg creates a mouthwatering experience. The use of dijon mustard and fresh thyme adds depth and complexity to the flavors. The step-by-step instructions ensure a perfect outcome, and the attention to detail in the cooking process guarantees a satisfying meal. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe for a delightful culinary experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Bacon Croque Madame Brunch Ring Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Quick and Easy Snickerdoodles Recipe
Moroccan Chicken and Couscous Soup Recipe
Pressure Cooker Saag Tofu (Indian Spinach and Tofu) Recipe
Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Apples and Dried Fruit Recipe
Liver and Onions Venetian Style Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Chicken Salad My Way Recipe
Vegetable Foil Packets with Goat Cheese Recipe
Beef Jalapeno Stew Recipe
