Description
Sinful French classic Croque Madame gets a gluten-free makeover that delights taste buds with rich, creamy layers. Melted gruyère, crisp ham, and perfectly topped fried egg create a luxurious breakfast experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 12 slices gluten-free ham
- 4 large eggs
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups (16 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free Dijon mustard
Bread and Dry Ingredients:
- 8 slices gluten-free bread
- 1.5 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Garnish:
- Fresh chives (chopped)
- Microgreens (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack centrally for even heat distribution.
- Create a silky béchamel sauce by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 30 seconds, then gradually incorporate milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, thickened consistency. Remove from heat and infuse with mustard, salt, and nutmeg for depth of flavor.
- Generously butter one side of each gluten-free bread slice. Arrange four slices butter-side down on a baking sheet, layering with ham and Gruyère cheese. Crown with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing upward.
- Bake the sandwiches for 6 minutes until the bread turns golden and cheese melts luxuriously.
- Lavish the sandwiches with prepared béchamel sauce, adding an optional sprinkle of extra cheese. Broil until the surface bubbles and caramelizes with a rich, golden-brown hue.
- In a separate skillet, gently fry eggs in butter, aiming for perfectly set whites and lusciously runny yolks.
- Crown each sandwich with a sunny-side-up egg, then garnish with delicate chives, vibrant microgreens, and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular wheat bread with certified gluten-free bread to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap traditional dairy milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Egg Precision: Use a non-stick pan and low heat when frying eggs to achieve perfectly runny yolks without overcooking or breaking the delicate whites.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Grate Gruyère cheese freshly to ensure smooth, even melting and maximum flavor distribution across the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-19 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 29 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg