Croque Madame Toast is a twist on the classic French Croque Madame sandwich, featuring toasted sourdough bread with mustard, smoked ham, creamy mornay sauce, and a rich egg yolk. This variation offers a convenient open-faced toast version of the traditional sandwich, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mornay Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk

• ½ teaspoon dry mustard

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ⅓ cup shredded gruyere cheese

• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and cracked black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 3 slices sourdough bread, lightly buttered and toasted

• 3 tablespoons whole grain prepared mustard

• 6 ounces smoked ham, thinly sliced

• 3 large egg yolks

Directions

1. Make the Mornay Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking, then cook until thickened. Stir in mustard, ginger, gruyere, and parmesan, and cook until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

2. Toast the Bread: Preheat the broiler. Spread mustard on one side of the toasted sourdough slices. Layer the ham on top.

3. Assemble the Toasts: Place the ham-topped toasts on a baking sheet. Spoon about ½ cup of mornay sauce over each slice. Create a well in the center of the sauce and drop an egg yolk into each.

4. Broil: Broil the toasts for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the yolk remains soft.

5. Serve: Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 458 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 246mg

• Sodium: 1339mg

• Potassium: 339mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 610 IU

• Calcium: 314mg

• Iron: 4mg

The Origins of Croque Madame

The Croque Madame, like many great French dishes, has a rich history rooted in French culinary traditions. Originating in Paris in the early 20th century, the Croque Madame is a variation of the Croque Monsieur, a quintessential French sandwich made with ham and cheese, typically Gruyère or Emmental, between slices of toasted bread. The Croque Madame takes the classic sandwich a step further by adding a fried or poached egg on top.

It is said that the addition of the egg was intended to resemble a woman’s hat, hence the name “Madame.” This distinction separates the Croque Madame from the Croque Monsieur, which does not include the egg. While the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are both beloved in French cafés and bistros, the open-faced version known as Croque Madame Toast adds a contemporary twist to the classic, making it easier to prepare and serve.

Understanding the Key Components of Croque Madame Toast

What sets Croque Madame Toast apart is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Let’s take a closer look at the components that make up this dish.

The base of Croque Madame Toast is sourdough bread. This type of bread is chosen for its slightly tangy flavor and robust texture, which holds up well to the rich toppings. The sourdough slices are lightly buttered and toasted, providing a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Mornay sauce and the tender, smoky ham.

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the Mornay sauce. A rich, velvety sauce made with butter, flour, milk, dry mustard, ground ginger, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, the Mornay sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish. The mustard and ginger bring subtle heat and spice, while the two types of cheese lend creaminess and umami.

Smoked ham is another essential component. The ham adds a savory, slightly salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the Mornay sauce and the egg yolk. Thinly sliced smoked ham is used to ensure that the texture remains delicate and not overwhelming.

Finally, the egg yolk is added at the end of the assembly process. When broiled, the egg yolk remains soft and runny, creating a luscious, golden pool of richness that completes the dish.

The Role of Mornay Sauce

The Mornay sauce is a critical element that elevates Croque Madame Toast from a simple sandwich to a decadent meal. Originating in French cuisine, Mornay is essentially a béchamel sauce (a white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk) with cheese added. Traditionally, Gruyère and Parmesan are used, giving the sauce a deep, savory flavor.

The addition of dry mustard and ground ginger in this recipe introduces a hint of spice, making the Mornay sauce not just creamy, but also full of complex flavor. The cheese lends both creaminess and depth, while the mustard adds a mild tanginess that balances out the richness. The sauce is the glue that binds the components of the toast together, creating a unified, delicious dish.

Why Choose Croque Madame Toast for Breakfast or Brunch?

Croque Madame Toast is a versatile dish that works perfectly for both breakfast and brunch. Its richness makes it a satisfying meal to start the day, and its elegant presentation makes it suitable for entertaining guests at brunch.

Unlike traditional sandwiches, which require flipping or grilling, Croque Madame Toast is easier to assemble and cook. The open-faced design allows for even distribution of the Mornay sauce and ensures that every bite contains a perfect balance of bread, ham, sauce, and egg yolk.

The simplicity of this dish is another reason it’s great for breakfast or brunch. While it looks sophisticated and indulgent, the preparation requires minimal steps. All it takes is toasting the bread, assembling the components, and broiling the dish for a few minutes. This makes it a perfect option for busy mornings or when hosting a brunch gathering.

The Appeal of a Runny Egg Yolk

The addition of a soft, runny egg yolk is perhaps the most iconic aspect of Croque Madame Toast. The egg yolk brings a luscious texture and richness to the dish, acting as a natural sauce that binds everything together. When broiled, the egg yolk remains just set on the edges but soft and runny in the center, offering a burst of flavor and richness in each bite.

For many, the runny egg yolk is what sets this dish apart from other breakfast or brunch options. It adds a comforting, indulgent element that makes the dish feel special. The contrast between the crispy toast, the creamy Mornay sauce, and the rich egg yolk is both visually appealing and satisfying.

Nutritional Benefits of Croque Madame Toast

While Croque Madame Toast is undeniably indulgent, it also offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. The combination of protein from the eggs and ham, healthy fats from the butter and egg yolk, and carbohydrates from the sourdough bread creates a balanced meal that will keep you full for hours.

The Mornay sauce, though rich, is made with whole milk and cheeses that provide calcium, which is important for bone health. Additionally, the dish offers a good amount of vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function. Though high in calories and fat, the meal is not without its benefits, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying, nourishing breakfast or brunch.

Serving and Enjoying Croque Madame Toast

Croque Madame Toast is best served immediately after broiling while the Mornay sauce is still bubbling and the egg yolk remains soft. The dish can be seasoned with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors, and it pairs wonderfully with a light salad or fresh fruit on the side.

This dish can also be customized to suit different tastes. For instance, you could swap out the smoked ham for bacon or prosciutto for a different flavor profile. Additionally, using a variety of cheeses or adding herbs to the Mornay sauce can provide even more layers of flavor.

Conclusion

Croque Madame Toast offers a delightful and contemporary twist on the classic French Croque Madame sandwich. With its rich Mornay sauce, savory smoked ham, crispy toasted sourdough, and indulgent runny egg yolk, it delivers an unforgettable flavor experience that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this open-faced version of the Croque Madame makes it easy to enjoy all the deliciousness of the traditional dish with a bit of modern flair. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or treating yourself to a special morning meal, Croque Madame Toast is sure to impress with its combination of rich flavors and textures.