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Forbidden Croque Madame Sandwich

A delightful twist on the classic French Croque Madame, this indulgent sandwich features creamy béchamel sauce, gooey cheese, and a perfectly fried egg, making it perfect for brunch or a cozy lunch.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Brunch, Lunch
Cuisine: French
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sandwich
  • 2 slices bread Use your preferred type of bread.
  • 2 slices cheese (preferably Gruyère or Emmental) These cheeses melt beautifully.
  • 1 piece egg Fry sunny-side up.
  • 2 slices deli turkey or a preferred alternative Can be substituted with grilled vegetables.
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter For cooking the roux.
  • 1 tablespoon flour To create the roux.
  • 1 cup milk Used to create the béchamel sauce.
  • to taste salt and pepper Season to your liking.
  • a pinch nutmeg (optional) Adds warmth to the sauce.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
  4. Toast the bread lightly on both sides to help it hold up under the weight of the fillings.
Assembly and Cooking
  1. Assemble the sandwich: Place a slice of cheese on one slice of toasted bread, followed by the slices of deli turkey. Top with another slice of cheese and finish with the second slice of bread.
  2. Pour the béchamel sauce generously over the sandwich, ensuring that it covers the top completely.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Fry the egg sunny-side up while the sandwich is baking.
  5. Serve the sandwich warm, topped with the fried egg.

Notes

To enhance your meal, consider serving the sandwich with a side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette or a warm bowl of tomato basil soup. For a sweet touch, fresh fruit pairs well and brightens the dining experience.