Croque Madame

This sandwich is indulgent, a fancy take on a grilled ham and cheese but with an oh-so-French twist. The croque madame is the epitome of french sandwich. Same sandwich as the croque monsieur, except the madame has an egg on the top - what's not to love?


Croque Madame
serves 2

Ingredients
4 slices pain de campagne (french country loaf)
10 slices black forest ham
8 ounces gruyere
2 Tablespoons butter
2 eggs
2 tsp dijon mustard, plus more for dipping

Instructions
Butter one side of each of the 4 slices of bread. Shred gruyere. Place two of the slices of bread butter-side down and spread 1 teaspoon of dijon on each slice. Layer half of the ham on each of the sandwich, then add 1/4 of the shredded cheese to each sandwich. Top the sandwiches with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side up.

Meanwhile, heat a skillet on medium heat and turn your oven to broil. Add 1/2 tablespoon of butter to a skillet. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, place the sandwiches (cheese side down) on the skillet. Cook the sandwiches on each side, 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place on a cookie sheet. Top the sandwiches with the remaining gruyere, and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until cheese bubbles and starts to brown.

While the sandwiches are broiling, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. As soon as the butter melts and starts to bubble, carefully crack the eggs into the pan, making sure the yolks do not break. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook, about 3 minutes. The eggs are done with the whites turn opaque.

Remove sandwiches from broiler and set on a plate. Center a fried egg over each sandwich.

Serve with chilled wine or beer.

Tips: I recommend cooking the sandwich cheese-side down first so that the sandwich is easier to flip. I also recommend cutting the sandwich in half before serving, so that the yolk breaks open.

Bon Appétit!