Croque Madame

Instructions

1. Warm the Béchamel: Add the Béchamel Sauce to a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring often, until smooth and spoonable.1 cup Béchamel Sauce
2. Prepare the Bread: Lay the bread slices on a work surface. Butter one side of each slice. Turn 4 slices over and spread the unbuttered side lightly with Dijon mustard.8 slices bread, 4 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp dijon mustard
3. Build the Sandwiches: Place the Dijon bread slices buttered-side down. Spread each with a spoonful of warm béchamel, then add Gruyère and 2 slices of ham. Close with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.warm béchamel, 6 oz gruyère, 8 slices ham
4. Griddle the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.prepared sandwiches
5. Fry the Eggs: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft, about 2–3 minutes.1 tbsp butter, 4 eggs, kosher salt, black pepper
6. Sauce the Sandwiches: Transfer each sandwich to a plate. Spoon a little more warm béchamel over the top.griddled sandwiches, warm béchamel
7. Garnish and Serve: Top each sandwich with a fried egg. Garnish with parsley, chives if desired, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.fried eggs, parsley, chives, black pepper