What’s better than a sandwich filled with ooey gooey cheese and covered with béchamel? When it’s topped with a fried egg! This Croque Madame recipe is super simple to throw together and will elevate your midweek lunch or weekend brunch.

Makes 2 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 200ml milk
• 50g flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp grainy mustard
• 160g Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 slices ham
• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp butter

Method:

1. To make the béchamel, melt 2 tbsp butter in a pot. Add the flour and whisk until combined and the raw flour smell has disappeared, about 2-3 mins.
2. Add the milk in increments while whisking constantly so no lumps remain.
3. Once thickened, turn off the heat, and add in the egg yolk, the mustard and half of the cheese. Mix until combined and set aside.
4. Butter the bread, and place buttered side down on a baking sheet.
5. On the non-buttered side, spread a tablespoon of the béchamel, then top with a slice of ham and some more cheese.
6. Close the sandwiches and cook buttered side down on a pan set to medium heat, flipping till both sides are golden and the cheese is melted. You may need to cover your pan with a lad to allow the cheese to melt.
7. Turn your oven onto the grill setting.
8. Top the sandwiches with the rest of the béchamel and the rest of the cheese, and place in the oven under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. While the sandwich is in the oven, fry an egg in some butter. If you want to leave the egg out, this becomes a Croque Monsieur!
10. Place on top of the sandwich, slice, and enjoy!

Croque Madame Recipe by TheTaste.ie