Croque Madame on Brioche

Ingredients

• 2 slices of brioche bread
• 2 slices of cooked ham
• 2 slices of Gruyere cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 soft-boiled egg

Directions

1. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of brioche. Place the slices butter side down in the pan.
3. Layer the ham and cheese on top of one of the slices of bread. Place the other slice of bread on top of the ham and cheese.
4. Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
5. Remove the sandwich from the pan and set aside.
6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
7. Slowly whisk in the milk, nutmeg, white pepper, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
8. Slice the soft-boiled egg in half and place it on top of the sandwich.
9. Pour the béchamel sauce over the sandwich and serve.

Interesting Facts

• The croque-madame is a cousin of the croque-monsieur, a classic French sandwich with ham and cheese.
• Brioche is a type of French bread that is rich and buttery.
• Béchamel sauce is a classic French sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.