classic French Croque Madame

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gluten-Free Delight: Enjoy a traditional French dish tailored for gluten sensitivity without compromising on taste.
• Rich and Savory: The combination of ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce creates a decadent flavor profile.
• Perfect for Brunch: Impress guests with this elegant and satisfying meal that’s ideal for breakfast or brunch.
• Whole Health Flexi-Plan Friendly: Aligns with balanced nutrition principles, making it a wholesome choice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices gluten-free bread
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 12 slices gluten-free ham (e.g., Boar’s Head)
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a suitable gluten-free alternative)
• 4 large eggs
• Fresh chives (chopped for garnish)
• Microgreens (for serving, optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (for serving)

For the Gluten-Free Béchamel Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1½ tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp gluten-free Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack in the center position.
2. Prepare Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add the flour, whisking for about 30 seconds.
   • Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
   • Cook until the sauce thickens (about 4 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and stir in mustard, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Assemble Sandwiches:
   • Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
   • Place four slices, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
   • Add ham and cheese on each.
   • Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
4. Bake: Bake for about 6 minutes, or until the bread is golden and cheese melts.
5. Broil:
   • Spread béchamel sauce over sandwiches.
   • Add extra cheese if desired.
   • Broil until cheese bubbles and browns (3-4 minutes).
6. Fry Eggs:
   • In a skillet, heat a bit of butter or oil.
   • Fry eggs until whites are set but yolks are still runny (about 5 minutes).
   • Place an egg on top of each sandwich.
7. Serve: Garnish with chives, microgreens, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use Emmental or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Bread Choices: Experiment with different types of gluten-free bread, such as sourdough or brioche, to vary the texture and taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For the egg, it’s best to cook a fresh one when serving leftovers.

FAQs

What is a Croque Madame?

A Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich consisting of ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, topped with a fried egg. It’s a variation of the Croque Monsieur, which doesn’t include the egg.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based milk for the béchamel sauce.

What type of gluten-free bread works best?

A sturdy gluten-free bread, like sourdough or artisan-style loaves, works well to hold the fillings without becoming too soggy.

classic French Croque Madame

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in a gourmet gluten-free Croque Madame recipe that combines savory ham, melted Gruyère, and creamy béchamel sauce, topped with a fried egg. Perfect for brunch or a satisfying meal, this classic French dish is reimagined for gluten-sensitive diets while remaining rich, hearty, and delicious.

 

---

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices gluten-free bread
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 12 slices gluten-free ham
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 4 large eggs
• Fresh chives (for garnish)
• Microgreens (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Gluten-Free Béchamel Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1½ tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp gluten-free Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat Oven
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center.
• Prepare Béchamel Sauce
  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened (4 minutes).
  • Stir in mustard, salt, and nutmeg; set aside.
• Assemble Sandwiches
  • Butter one side of each bread slice.
  • Place 4 slices (buttered side down) on a baking sheet.
  • Layer ham and cheese on top, then cover with remaining bread (buttered side up).
• Bake and Broil
  • Bake for 6 minutes, or until bread is golden and cheese melts.
  • Spread béchamel sauce on top, add extra cheese if desired, and broil until bubbling and browned (3-4 minutes).
• Fry Eggs
  • Heat butter or oil in a skillet and fry eggs until whites set but yolks remain runny (5 minutes).
• Serve
  • Top each sandwich with a fried egg. Garnish with chives, microgreens, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a vegetarian twist, substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Use alternative gluten-free bread styles, such as sourdough or brioche, for varied texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French