If the Croque Monsieur is the king of toasted sandwiches, then Croque Madame is undoubtedly the queen—crowned with a perfectly fried egg on top. Rich, creamy, crispy, and comforting, this indulgent French café staple is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a lazy weekend breakfast with a glass of wine or coffee.

In this blog, you’ll discover how to make the classic Croque Madame at home, with its signature béchamel sauce, melty cheese, savory ham, and that unmistakable golden egg that completes the dish.

🇫🇷 What Is a Croque Madame?

A Croque Madame is a French hot sandwich made with:

Toasted bread

Ham

Gruyère or Emmental cheese

Creamy béchamel sauce

And topped with a fried or poached egg

It’s essentially a Croque Monsieur with an egg on top—the name “Madame” referring to the egg, which resembles a lady’s hat. Popular in Parisian cafés, it's the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance.

🛒 Ingredients

Serves 2

For the béchamel sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup (240ml) whole milk

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste


For the sandwich:

4 slices white bread or brioche (preferably thick-cut)

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional but traditional)

4 slices good-quality cooked ham

1½ cups (150g) grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese

1 tablespoon butter (for toasting)


For the topping:

2 eggs

1 tablespoon butter or oil (for frying)

Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Croque Madame

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.

Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and set aside.

💡 Béchamel can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lightly toast the bread slices.

Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice (optional).

Layer 1–2 slices of ham on two slices of bread.

Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of béchamel on top.

Sprinkle with grated Gruyère or Emmental.

Close with the remaining bread slices.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese inside begins to melt.

Transfer to a baking sheet.

Step 4: Broil with Cheese & Béchamel

Preheat your oven’s broiler (or use the grill setting).

Top each sandwich with a spoonful of béchamel and a handful of cheese.

Broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Fry the Eggs

In a skillet, melt butter or oil over medium heat.

Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Place the fried egg on top of each sandwich.

Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Croque Madame is best served hot and enjoyed with:

A crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette

Roasted potatoes or pommes frites

A glass of Champagne, Chardonnay, or black coffee

A few cornichons or pickled onions for acidity

This dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a decadent breakfast-for-dinner.

💡 Tips & Variations

Cheese substitutions: Use Swiss, Comté, or aged cheddar if Gruyère isn’t available.

Egg style: Try a poached egg instead of fried for a refined twist.

Brioche bread adds a buttery sweetness that elevates the sandwich.

Make it vegetarian: Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

📜 The History Behind the Name

While the Croque Monsieur dates back to Paris cafés in the early 20th century, the Croque Madame followed shortly after. The name was coined because the egg on top looked like a lady’s hat. It became a symbol of French café culture—both luxurious and approachable.

Today, it’s a staple on brunch menus across France and beyond, delighting diners with its perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

🧡 Final Thoughts

The Croque Madame is much more than a fancy ham-and-cheese—it’s a gourmet sandwich experience with layers of flavor, texture, and elegance. That golden, runny egg turns each bite into a luxurious moment. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend or impressing friends at brunch, this dish brings French bistro vibes to your table.

Bon Appétit!