Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Frying pan
- Griddle or sandwich press
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Begin by caramelizing the onions. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with brown sugar. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Preheat a griddle or sandwich press to medium-high heat.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese between two slices of bread. Repeat to make four sandwiches.
5. Melt the remaining butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Place the sandwiches in the frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Transfer the sandwiches to the griddle or sandwich press. Top each sandwich with a spoonful of caramelized onions and another slice of Swiss cheese. Close the griddle or sandwich press and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve the Croque Madame sandwiches hot, topped with a fried egg.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Frying pan: medium heat
Griddle or sandwich press: medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 500
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ham: turkey or chicken slices
- Swiss cheese: Gruyere or cheddar cheese
- Bread: sourdough or French bread
Variations:
- Croque Monsieur: omit the fried egg on top
- Croque Veggie: substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach
Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality bread for the sandwiches, such as a rustic sourdough or French bread.
- Make sure to cook the onions low and slow to achieve a deep caramelized flavor.
- If you don't have a griddle or sandwich press, you can use a panini press or a regular frying pan.
Storage instructions:
The Croque Madame sandwiches are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Croque Madame sandwiches on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives
Pairings:
- Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Tomato soup
- French fries
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- French fries
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sandwiches are not cooking evenly, adjust the heat on the griddle or sandwich press.
- If the egg mixture is not sticking to the bread, dip the bread in the mixture for a longer period of time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sandwiches to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
The 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 toasted or grilled. The Croque Madame is distinguished by the addition of a fried egg on top.
Flavor profiles:
The Croque Madame is a savory and rich sandwich, with the sweetness of the caramelized onions balancing out the saltiness of the ham and cheese. The fried egg adds a creamy and indulgent element to the sandwich.
Serving suggestions:
The Croque Madame is a perfect brunch or lunch dish, served with a side salad or soup. It can also be served as a hearty breakfast sandwich.
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Region: French