The Fanciest Easy Ham & Cheese Sandwich You Can Make

Introduction

In the world of iconic sandwiches, the Croque Madame stands out as a French classic, a gourmet twist on the grilled ham and cheese sandwich. This luxurious version includes a rich Mornay sauce and is crowned with a perfectly fried egg. Surprisingly simple to make and incredibly satisfying, this dish is a testament to the joy of French cooking.

Ingredients

• For the Mornay Sauce:

  • 30g Butter
  • 10g All-purpose Flour
  • 240g Milk (whole or skim)
  • 60g Aged Gruyere Cheese
  • 30g Aged Parmesan Cheese
  • 5g Salt
  • Pinch of White Pepper
  • Quarter teaspoon of Nutmeg

• For the Sandwich:

  • Thick slices of homemade or store-bought white bread (Texas toast can be a substitute)
  • Butter (for toasting the bread)
  • Thin slices of Black Forest Ham
  • Young Gruyere Cheese (or Swiss cheese as a substitute)
  • Fresh chives
  • 1 Egg
  • Olive Oil

Preparation Steps

1. Mornay Sauce:

   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
   • Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
   • Reduce heat and stir in both the Gruyere and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
   • Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Keep warm.

2. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Toast thick slices of bread in a pan with butter until golden.
   • On one side of the toast, layer thin slices of ham and a slice of young Gruyere cheese.
   • Close the sandwich with another slice of toasted bread and return to the pan to melt the cheese.

3. Fry the Egg:

   • Fry an egg in a non-stick pan until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny. For a perfect sunny-side-up, finish cooking the egg in the oven at 375°F for 60 seconds.

4. Final Assembly:

   • Place the sandwich on a plate.
   • Generously top with Mornay sauce, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
   • Carefully place the fried egg on top.
   • Garnish with fresh chives and a crack of black pepper.

Conclusion

The Croque Madame is more than just a sandwich; it's a culinary experience. The combination of crispy bread, savory ham, melty cheese, rich Mornay sauce, and the creamy yolk of a perfectly cooked egg makes it a dish that's hard to forget. Whether for a luxurious brunch or a satisfying dinner, the Croque Madame is sure to delight anyone who tries it, proving once again that some of the best pleasures in life come in the form of simple, well-made food.