Croque Madame

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp white pepper
• 0.06 tsp nutmeg
• 4 slices sliced bread (brioche or pullman)
• 4 oz French ham (jambon de Paris)
• 3 oz Emmental or Gruyère cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 pinch salt and pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste (roux).

2. 2

   Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

3. 3

   Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. 4

   Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice.

5. 5

   Place 2 slices in the skillet with buttered side down. Layer ham and cheese on each slice, then top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

6. 6

   Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet or plates.

7. 7

   Spread béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich.

8. 8

   In the same skillet, add remaining butter and crack both eggs into it. Cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.

9. 9

   Carefully slide one egg onto each sandwich. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Tools you’ll need

• 12-inch skillet
• saucepan
• whisk
• wooden spoon
• baking sheet
• chef's knife
• cutting board
• spatula

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