Courtesy of Evaan Kheraj
Croque madame by DB Brasserie
Sunday, May 29, 2016 | 2 a.m.
What's the difference?
The ham-and-melted-cheese sandwich known as a croque monsieur becomes a croque madame with the addition of a poached or fried egg on top. Pictured above is a croque madame..
TIP
Toast the bread very lightly, so that they become a little crispier, but do not change in color.
Looking for a way to elevate your ham and cheese sandwich? Consider the croque monsieur (or madame), a French creation meaning to take a bite, sir (or ma’am). As with a standard grilled cheese sandwich, there are innumerable variations of croque monsieur. This one comes courtesy of renowned celebrity chef Daniel Boulud.
Ingredients (serves 4)
• 2 tbs unsalted butter, melted
• Béchamel sauce (see below)
• 8 slices high-quality Pullman loaf bread, sliced 1/3- to 1/2-inch thick, toasted
• 10 oz Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated
• 12 oz thickly sliced Jambon de Paris (a high-quality, wet-cured ham)
• 4 whole eggs (1 per sandwich), if you wish to turn the monsieur into a madame
To make your own Béchamel
• 3 tbs unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• salt and freshly ground white pepper
1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and whisk in the flour until blended but not colored. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
2. Season to taste with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Set aside.
*May be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored, refrigerated, with a layer of plastic wrap placed directly on surface of sauce; gently reheat before serving.
To assemble the sandwiches
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and brush with melted butter.
2. On a work surface, place bread slices in a single layer and spread each one evenly to the edges with béchamel; all the béchamel may not be needed.
3. Divide ham among four of the slices, trimming it if necessary so it is within 1/4 inch of edges. Top all eight slices with equal amounts of cheese, spreading it evenly to within 1/4 inch of edges.
4. Place four bread slices with béchamel and cheese, cheese side up, on top of slices layered with ham. Transfer sandwiches, cheese side up, onto sheet pan. Bake until grated cheese topping is melted and golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
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