Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Gruyere cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
3. Add 4 tbsp of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Slowly add 2 cups of whole milk to the mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Add ½ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of black pepper to the mixture and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
7. Take 8 slices of white bread and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Place a slice of ham on top of each slice of bread.
9. Add a slice of Gruyere cheese on top of the ham.
10. Place another slice of bread on top of the cheese to make a sandwich.
11. Pour the sauce over the sandwiches, making sure to cover them completely.
12. Bake the sandwiches in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
13. While the sandwiches are baking, fry 4 eggs in a skillet over medium heat.
14. Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste.
15. Once the sandwiches are done baking, remove them from the oven and place one fried egg on top of each sandwich.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 600
Total fat: 36g
Saturated fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 270mg
Sodium: 1600mg
Total carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes to the sandwich before adding the cheese.
- Use bacon instead of ham.
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a non-stick skillet to fry the eggs to prevent them from sticking.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately after adding the fried egg on top for the best taste.
Storage instructions:
The Croque Madame with Fried Egg can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the Croque Madame with Fried Egg, place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Croque Madame with Fried Egg on a plate with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad.
Garnishes:
Garnish the Croque Madame with Fried Egg with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair the Croque Madame with Fried Egg with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the Croque Madame with Fried Egg with a side of roasted potatoes or a small salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the bread is not crispy enough, broil the sandwiches for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the eggs until the whites and yolks are firm to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
The Croque Madame is a French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
The Croque Madame with Fried Egg is a savory and cheesy sandwich with a rich and creamy sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Croque Madame with Fried Egg for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
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Region: French