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The Recipe · No.677 · Croque Madame

Croque Madame, and where to source it

Croque Madame — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Croque Madame French 5best2buy.com

The croque madame lives on its bechamel and its cheese, so use real gruyere and take the time to cook the flour out of the sauce. The distinction from a monsieur is the fried egg on top; keep the yolk runny so it becomes part of the sauce when you cut in.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Makes2 sandwiches
CuisineFrench
Cost$$
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 sandwiches
Ham
Good sliced ham; it is one of only two fillings so it should taste like something.
4 slices
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Gruyere
Grated inside and over the top; it browns into the bechamel under the broiler.
6 oz
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Pain de mie
A dense white sandwich bread that holds up to the sauce without going soggy.
4 slices
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Butter
For the roux and for toasting the bread on the pan.
3 tbsp
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Milk
The base of the bechamel; whole milk gives the right body.
1 cup
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Flour
Cooked with the butter into the roux that thickens the sauce.
2 tbsp
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Eggs
Fried sunny-side up for the top; the runny yolk is the point.
2
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Getting greedy
Rich enough that Mom might raise an eyebrow.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-potSheet pan
The Method
  1. Make bechamelCook butter and flour into a blond roux for 2 minutes, whisk in warm milk, and simmer until it coats a spoon; season with nutmeg.
  2. Build the sandwichButter and toast the bread, layer ham and gruyere, and close.
  3. Top and broilSpread bechamel over the top, scatter more gruyere, and broil until bubbling and browned, about 3 minutes.
  4. Fry the eggFry an egg in butter until the white sets but the yolk stays loose, and set it on top.
The Toolkit

Whisk · Small saucepan · Nonstick skillet · Sheet pan · Box grater

Straight Answers
Can you make Croque Madame in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.

Can you freeze Croque Madame? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Croque Madame ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Croque Madame gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Croque Madame vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.677

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