Egg > Brunches > French

Croque Madame with Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Special Equipment Needed:
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and browned. Set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly browned.

4. Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is thickened.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until melted.

6. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.

7. Top each bread slice with a slice of ham, a spoonful of mushrooms, and a generous amount of cheese sauce.

8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.

10. Place an egg on top of each Croque Madame and sprinkle with chopped parsley.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 540
Fat: 33g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 29g
Sodium: 1060mg
Sugar: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Gruyere cheese, you can use Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Instead of ham, you can use prosciutto or bacon.
- Instead of mushrooms, you can use spinach or roasted red peppers.

Variations:
- Croque Monsieur: omit the egg and serve as a sandwich.
- Croque Madame with Asparagus: add steamed asparagus to the sandwich.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to toast the bread slices before assembling the sandwich to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Use a good quality ham for the best flavor.
- You can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and reheat it before assembling the sandwich.

Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Croque Madame in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the sandwich on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Croque Madame on a plate with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top of the sandwich for a pop of color.

Pairings:
Serve with a glass of white wine or a cup of coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted asparagus
- Roasted potatoes

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the bread slices are too thick, use a serrated knife to slice them in half horizontally.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny to prevent the risk of salmonella.

Food History:
The Croque Madame is a 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. The Croque Madame is topped with a fried egg, which is said to resemble a woman's hat.

Flavor Profiles:
The Croque Madame is a savory and rich sandwich with a creamy cheese sauce, salty ham, earthy mushrooms, and a runny egg yolk.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Croque Madame for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It is a filling and satisfying sandwich that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

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Region: French

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Mushroomy, Eggy