Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Gruyere cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Frying pan
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
6. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet and top each slice with a slice of ham and a slice of Gruyere cheese.
7. Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the cheese.
8. Pour the sauce over the sandwiches, making sure to cover them completely.
9. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. While the sandwiches are baking, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
11. Crack the eggs into the frying pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
12. Remove the sandwiches from the oven and top each one with a fried egg.
13. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 580
Fat per serving: 34g
Saturated fat per serving: 16g
Cholesterol per serving: 295mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 35g
Fiber per serving: 2g
Protein per serving: 32g
Sodium per serving: 1290mg
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 fried egg and serve as is.
- Croque-Vegetarian: omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent the eggs from sticking.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
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 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a plate with a side salad and garnish with fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Mixed green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the eggs until the whites are set to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Croque-Madame is a French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly nutty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a brunch or lunch dish.
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Region: French