Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup of roasted red peppers, sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the bread from the oven and top each slice with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
4. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
7. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.
8. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, and whisk until well combined.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
10. In a separate skillet, fry the eggs to your desired level of doneness.
11. To assemble the Croque Madame, place a slice of the ham and cheese-topped bread on a plate.
12. Spoon some of the milk mixture over the bread.
13. Top with a fried egg and some sliced roasted red peppers.
14. Repeat with the remaining bread slices and ingredients.
15. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Oven: 375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 28g
Carbohydrates per serving: 22g
Protein per serving: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted for any bread of your choice.
- Gouda or cheddar cheese can be substituted for Swiss cheese.
- Roasted red peppers can be substituted for any vegetable of your choice.
Variations:
- Croque Monsieur: omit the fried egg and roasted red peppers.
- Croque Madame with Bacon: substitute bacon for ham.
- Croque Madame with Tomato: substitute sliced tomato for roasted red peppers.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to toast the bread before adding the ham and cheese to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the eggs from sticking.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the milk mixture for added flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a white plate with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit, small salad, or roasted potatoes.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the milk mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the eggs to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
The Croque Madame is a French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
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Region: French