Kamil Perry
The Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich that is traditionally made with ham, cheese, and a fried egg. The cheese used in a Croque Madame can vary, but it is typically made with high-quality cheeses such as Gruyere, Parmesan, Emmental, or Jarlsberg. Some recipes also call for Swiss cheese or Beaufort cheese. The key to a great Croque Madame is in the combination of flavours and textures, with the slight sweetness of the ham, the sharpness of the Dijon mustard, and the nuttiness of the Gruyère cheese all coming together in a rich and gooey sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Gruyere, Parmesan, Emmental, Jarlsberg, Beaufort, Swiss, Comté |
| Sauce | Béchamel, Mornay, Mustard |
| Bread | Brioche, Sourdough, Croissant, Artisanal loaf, White bread |
| Toppings | Fried egg, Chives, Cornichons, Salad |
| Accompaniments | Fries, Salad |
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What You'll Learn
Gruyere is the main cheese
The Mornay sauce is a key component of the croque madame, providing a rich and gooey texture to the sandwich. To make the sauce, butter and flour are combined into a blond paste and then slowly whisked with milk to create a béchamel sauce. Finely grated Gruyere cheese is then added to the béchamel, along with a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to create the Mornay sauce.
The croque madame is a French sandwich made with this creamy Mornay sauce, ham, and Gruyere cheese, all topped with a fried egg. It is a variation of the croque monsieur, which does not include the egg. The name "croque madame" comes from the French terms "croque," meaning crunch, and "madame," meaning woman, referring to the resemblance of the sandwich to a woman's hat when topped with a sunny-side-up egg.
Gruyere is a popular choice for the croque madame due to its melting properties and nutty flavour, which pairs well with the slight sweetness of the ham and the sharpness of the mustard in the sandwich. It is important to use a high-quality cheese like Gruyere for the Mornay sauce to ensure it melts smoothly and blends well with the other ingredients.
While Gruyere is the traditional and most popular choice, some variations of the croque madame may use other cheeses, such as Emmental, Jarlsberg, or Beaufort, depending on personal preference and availability. However, Gruyere remains the classic option for this sophisticated French sandwich.
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Parmesan is also used
The key to a great croque madame is the quality of the homemade Mornay sauce, a cheesy variation of the béchamel sauce. To make the Mornay sauce, you must first create a roux, a mixture of flour and butter, cooked until lightly golden and nutty. Milk is then slowly whisked into the roux, and the mixture is cooked until thickened. Finely grated Parmesan and Gruyere cheese, along with a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg, are added to the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
For the sandwich, the Mornay sauce is spread on high-quality bread, such as brioche or sourdough. The bread is then layered with ham and Gruyere cheese, and the sandwiches are grilled until the cheese melts. Finally, the sandwiches are topped with a fried egg, adding a decadent touch to this classic French dish.
While Gruyere is a popular choice for croque madame, some recipes suggest using other cheeses like Emmental, Jarlsberg, or Beaufort as substitutes. The key is to choose a high-quality cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients.
The croque madame is a rich and indulgent sandwich, perfect for those who enjoy a combination of crispy bread, melted cheese, and savoury ham, all brought together by a creamy Mornay sauce and topped with a fried egg.
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Emmental is a substitute
The classic French Croque Madame is a sophisticated take on the Croque Monsieur, with the addition of a fried egg on top. The traditional cheese used in this decadent sandwich is Gruyere, a Swiss Alpine cheese with a nutty flavour and excellent melting properties. However, Emmental is a suitable substitute.
Emmental is a Swiss cheese with a mild flavour and excellent melting qualities, making it an ideal alternative for a Croque Madame. It is also more readily available in sliced form, which is convenient for sandwiches. Emmental is a popular choice for those seeking a more affordable option without compromising on taste and texture.
When creating a Croque Madame, the cheese is a key component. While Gruyere is traditional, Emmental can be used to achieve a similar result with its melting characteristics and mild flavour. The cheese is combined with a creamy Mornay sauce, a variation of the classic Bechamel, to create a rich and indulgent sandwich.
The process of making a Croque Madame involves spreading the bread with the creamy Mornay sauce, which is a combination of Bechamel sauce and grated Gruyere. The Emmental cheese can be used in the same way, creating a gooey and indulgent texture. The cheese is then topped with a fried egg, adding to the richness of the dish.
Emmental is a suitable substitute for those seeking a more accessible or affordable option without sacrificing the essential qualities of the Croque Madame. Its mild flavour and melting characteristics make it a versatile choice that complements the other ingredients in this classic French sandwich.
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Jarlsberg is a substitute
A Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich, a variation of the Croque Monsieur. It is made with ham, cheese, béchamel or Mornay sauce, and a fried egg on top. The traditional cheese used in this sandwich is Gruyere, a sweet and nutty Swiss Alpine cheese that melts well. However, if you are unable to source Gruyere, or are looking for a substitute, Jarlsberg is a great alternative.
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is a good substitute for Gruyere as it has a similar flavour and texture profile. When melted, Jarlsberg becomes gooey and stringy, making it ideal for a toasted sandwich. Its mild flavour also means it won't overpower the other ingredients in the Croque Madame.
To make a Croque Madame with Jarlsberg, simply substitute the cheese in your chosen recipe. The sandwich is made by spreading a layer of béchamel or Mornay sauce (a béchamel with cheese added) on bread, then layering on the ham, more sauce, and cheese. The sandwich is then toasted until the cheese is melted and browned. Finally, it is topped with a fried egg.
While a traditional Croque Madame uses Gruyere, using Jarlsberg instead will still result in a delicious sandwich. The key to a good Croque Madame is the quality of the ingredients, so be sure to use the best ham and bread you can find, and don't skimp on the cheese!
In addition to Jarlsberg, other substitute cheeses for a Croque Madame include Emmental, Beaufort, or Comté. However, with its mild flavour and melting capabilities, Jarlsberg is a great option to ensure your sandwich is just right.
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Beaufort is a substitute
The classic French Croque Madame is a sandwich made with ham, cheese, and a fried egg. While the traditional cheese used in this dish is Gruyere, there are several substitutes that can be used, including Emmental, Jarlsberg, and Beaufort.
Beaufort is a type of cheese that can be used as a substitute for Gruyere in a Croque Madame. It is a hard, raw cow's milk cheese that originates from the Savoie region of France. Beaufort has a rich, nutty flavor and a firm texture, making it ideal for melting. When substituting Beaufort for Gruyere in a Croque Madame, the sandwich will retain its characteristic sophistication and elegance, with the cheese providing a similar level of quality and taste.
The process of preparing a Croque Madame with Beaufort cheese remains consistent with the traditional recipe. The cheese can be incorporated into the sandwich in two ways: grated or sliced. Grated Beaufort blends seamlessly into the Mornay sauce, a variation of the classic Bechamel sauce, which is spread on the bread. Alternatively, slices of Beaufort can be layered directly onto the bread, creating a more pronounced cheese presence in the sandwich.
To prepare the Mornay sauce with Beaufort, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in an equal amount of flour to create a blond paste, also known as a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in shredded or grated Beaufort, along with a pinch of salt and nutmeg to taste.
Once the Mornay sauce is prepared, the Croque Madame sandwich can be assembled. Spread the sauce on slices of high-quality bread, such as brioche or sourdough. Layer the bread with ham and additional grated Beaufort, if desired. For an extra touch of flavor, spread Dijon mustard on the untoasted side of the remaining bread slices before placing them on top.
Finally, the sandwich is ready to be grilled or baked. For a crispy texture, grill the sandwich on both sides before baking it in the oven. Alternatively, you can skip the baking step and simply grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Top the sandwich with a fried egg, and consider garnishing with fresh chives and flaky sea salt. Serve the Croque Madame hot, and enjoy the sophisticated French treat with a rich, nutty flavor from the Beaufort cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Gruyere is the most popular cheese used in a croque madame. Parmesan is also used, though some recipes suggest using Emmental, Jarlsberg, or Beaufort cheese instead.
A croque monsieur is a classic French ham and cheese sandwich. A croque madame is the same sandwich, but with a fried egg on top.
Aside from the fried egg and cheese, a croque madame also contains ham, Dijon mustard, and a creamy mornay sauce.
A sturdy loaf bread like sourdough or brioche is recommended for croque madames. Plain sandwich bread will work, but it won't hold up as well to the cheese sauce.
