Grilled Croque Madame Recipe with Crispy Ham and Egg

Croque Madame Recipe – Perfectly Grilled on the Arteflame

Introduction

The Croque Madame is a luxurious French sandwich layered with ham, Gruyère cheese, and topped with a rich, velvety béchamel sauce. Traditionally made with an oven, we're taking it up a notch by grilling it entirely on the Arteflame. This version gives you a crispy, golden crust, perfectly melted cheese, and a fried egg on top, adding that signature "madame" touch. The high heat of the center grill gives a perfect sear, while the outer flat top provides an ideal space for frying the egg and toasting the bread to perfection.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick-cut white bread
• 4 slices of cooked ham (like Parisian or Black Forest)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for toasting)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 4 eggs
• Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Start by lighting your Arteflame grill. Soak three paper towels with vegetable oil and place them in the center of the grill. Stack firewood over the paper towels and light it. Let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is ready and the cooktop is evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. On the outer edges of the Arteflame flat top, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small cast iron bowl or heat-safe container. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux (2 minutes).
2. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, stirring until the sauce thickens (3-4 minutes). Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

1. Butter each side of the bread slices generously. On the hotter part of the flat top, toast the bread for about 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
2. Layer 2 slices of ham and 1/3 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of two of the toasted bread slices. Spread a spoonful of the béchamel sauce on top of the cheese.
3. Top with the remaining slices of toasted bread, pressing them together gently.

Step 4: Grill and Sear

1. Move the sandwiches closer to the center grill for a quick sear, using the higher heat to melt the cheese and create a crispy, golden exterior (1-2 minutes per side).
2. Once the cheese has melted and the sandwiches have a perfect golden crust, move them to the cooler part of the flat top to stay warm while you fry the eggs.

Step 5: Fry the Eggs

1. On the outer edges of the flat top, melt a small amount of butter. Crack one egg per sandwich directly onto the grill.
2. Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny (about 2-3 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Place each sandwich on a serving plate and top it with a fried egg.
2. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Variations

1. Smoked Croque Madame – Use smoked ham and smoked Gouda for a deeper, more robust flavor.
2. Vegetarian Croque Madame – Substitute the ham with sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
3. Croque Monsieur – Omit the fried egg for the classic Croque Monsieur.
4. Truffle Croque Madame – Add a drizzle of truffle oil to the béchamel sauce for a luxurious twist.
5. Spicy Croque Madame – Add a layer of spicy Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Best Pairings

• Serve with a side of French fries or a light green salad with a mustard vinaigrette.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.

Conclusion

This grilled Croque Madame brings a whole new level of flavor by using the Arteflame grill. With its perfectly toasted bread, gooey melted cheese, savory ham, and the richness of the fried egg, this sandwich is an indulgent meal you’ll want to make again and again. Get creative with the variations and enjoy this French classic with your personal twist!