Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Gruyere cheese
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick skillet
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
5. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a slice of ham and a slice of Gruyere cheese.
6. Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the ham and cheese.
7. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
8. Add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
9. Transfer the sandwiches to the baking sheet.
10. Pour the sauce over the sandwiches, making sure to cover them completely.
11. Bake the sandwiches for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
12. While the sandwiches are baking, prepare the eggs. Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the vinegar.
13. Crack the eggs into a bowl and gently slide them into the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
14. Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain.
15. Remove the sandwiches from the oven and place one egg on top of each sandwich.
16. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 620
Fat: 39g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 1300mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread or sourdough bread.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Croque-Monsieur: omit the egg and serve the sandwich without it.
- Vegetarian Croque-Madame: substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms and the Gruyere cheese with mozzarella cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sandwiches from sticking.
- Make sure the sauce is smooth and lump-free before pouring it over the sandwiches.
- Use fresh eggs for the best results when poaching them.
Storage instructions:
The sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a plate with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sandwiches with chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair the sandwiches with a glass of white wine or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the sandwiches with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or French fries.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the sandwiches are not crispy enough, cook them for a few more minutes on each side.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Croque-Madame is a classic French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s. It is a variation of the Croque-Monsieur, which is a ham and cheese sandwich that is grilled or baked.
Flavor profiles:
The Croque-Madame is a savory sandwich that combines the flavors of ham, cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce. The egg on top adds richness and depth of flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sandwiches for brunch, lunch, or dinner. They are a perfect comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
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Region: French