Waffle Iron Croque Madame
Make this traditional French sandwich in your waffle maker for a fun lunchtime treat.
This decadent and classically French sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner. Don't bother with the broiler, use your waffle maker and follow our recipe. This is not your average grilled ham and cheese!
Croque Madame Sandwiches
Serves 4
8 pieces thickly-sliced bread (sourdough or pullman)1/2 to 3/4 pound of thinly sliced ham1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded4 teaspoons Dijon mustard 4 large eggs
Béchamel Sauce
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
To make the Béchamel Sauce, melt butter in a sauce pan, over medium-low heat. Mix in flour to make a roux, and stir until smooth. Keep this over medium heat, and whisk in milk. Simmer for five minutes, or until thickened, then reduce heat.
Add Parmesan cheese and Gruyere cheese, stirring continuously. Finally, add salt, pepper, and nutmeg, stirring until combined.
Remove mixture from heat and set aside.
Turn waffle maker on, and let it heat up. Many waffle makers have a signal or light which will turn on to show they're ready to use.
Prepare the sandwiches. Spread Dijon mustard on four slices of bread. On other four slices, layer the ham and the remaining 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese.
Spray the waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray, then place the sandwich inside. Close the waffle maker and heat the sandwich until the cheese melts, about three to five minutes. Repeat with the rest of the sandwiches. Make one sandwich at a time for best results.
While you're waiting for the last sandwich in the waffle maker, fry four eggs in a frying pan. For perfect sunny side up eggs, grease a non-stick skillet over steady medium heat. The eggs should bubble as soon as they hit the pan. Only cook the eggs for a few minutes, without flipping, then remove from heat.
Once all of the sandwiches are ready, spread a heaping spoonful of the bechamel sauce on top and finish with the hot fried egg.We served this delicious sandwich with a simple salad of baby frisee, salt, pepper, and balsamic dressing. Just like the French.
Voila!
Check out these other clever waffle recipes:
Zucchini Cornbread Waffles Topped with Pulled Pork
Falafel Waffle
