Croque-madame is a classic French café sandwich made from a croque-monsieur topped with a cooked egg, usually fried. The base sandwich typically contains ham and cheese between slices of bread, toasted or grilled until golden. Depending on the recipe, it may include béchamel and Gruyère or another suitable melting cheese.
Assemble the ham and cheese sandwich, add béchamel or cheese on top if the recipe calls for it, then toast or bake until the bread is crisp and the cheese has melted. Finish with a fried egg on top. The egg is traditionally said to resemble a lady’s hat, which explains the “madame” name.
A croque-monsieur is the toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich. A croque-madame is the same preparation topped with an egg. Recipes vary by café and region.
Chef’s tip: Use bread that can support the filling and sauce without becoming soggy. Serve immediately while the bread is crisp and the egg is warm.
Example: A Paris café croque-madame served with a lightly dressed green salad.
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