Breakfast

Madame Croque Toast

Name: Madame Croque Toast
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 slices of bread; 2 slices of ham; 2 slices of cheese (e.g., Gruyère or Emmental); 2 eggs; Butter (for spreading and cooking); Salt and pepper; Optional: Dijon mustard

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Madame Croque Toast is a warm, savory twist on the classic French Croque Madame. It pairs nutty melted Gruyère (or Emmental) and savory ham between crisp, buttery bread, then crowns the sandwich with a glossy fried egg. The smell of toasting bread and melting cheese fills the kitchen, and the yolk adds a silky richness when cut. If you like egg-topped toasts, you might also enjoy this simple baked toast variation: avocado and egg toast bake recipe for a different spin on a comfort breakfast.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 sandwich
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

These values are approximate per serving (one sandwich with two eggs):

Calories per serving: 670 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1,400 mg

Why Make This Madame Croque Toast

This Madame Croque Toast is quick, satisfying, and full of contrast: crunchy golden bread, gooey cheese, salty ham, and a runny egg yolk. It’s great for a weekend brunch, a filling breakfast, or a cozy dinner when you want something fast and comforting. The flavors are classic and familiar, but the fried egg makes every bite extra luxurious.

How to Make Madame Croque Toast

Make this sandwich in two pans in about 20 minutes. Toast and melt the cheese in a skillet, fry eggs in a second pan, then assemble and finish. The technique is straightforward: control medium heat so bread browns without burning and cheese melts fully.

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread
2 slices of ham
2 slices of cheese (e.g., Gruyère or Emmental)
2 eggs
Butter (for spreading and cooking)
Salt and pepper
Optional: Dijon mustard

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly pat the ham if it is wet. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you like, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side for a tangy lift.

Step 2: Mixing

Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in the preheated skillet. Immediately layer the ham and the cheese on top of that bread slice so the heat starts melting the cheese.

Step 3: Cooking

Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up. Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until it is golden and the cheese is fully melted, another 3–4 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate pan set over medium-low heat, add a little butter and fry the eggs sunny side up until the whites are set and the yolks remain runny, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing

Transfer the toasted sandwich to a plate. Place one fried egg on top (or split two eggs between two sandwiches). Season with salt and pepper. Press gently so the yolk begins to break and run into the sandwich for a rich finish. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Madame Croque Toast

Serve hot so the cheese stays gooey. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for brightness, pickles for crunch, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a sweet contrast. For brunch, add a glass of fresh orange juice or a cup of strong coffee.

How to Store Madame Croque Toast

Short term: Keep leftover components separately. Store cooled sandwich (without egg) wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed and cheese is soft.
Eggs: Store fried eggs separately in an airtight container for up to 1 day and reheat carefully in a skillet.
Freezing: Not recommended for best texture — melted cheese and fried egg degrade after freezing.
Reheating tip: Reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat with a lid to restore crispness and fully remelt cheese without burning.

Expert Tips for Perfect Madame Croque Toast

Use medium heat. Too high and the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
Butter both outsides of the bread for even browning and a rich flavor.
Choose a cheese that melts well: Gruyère, Emmental, or a mild Swiss work best.
Press down slightly with a spatula after flipping to help the sandwich hold and the cheese melt.
If you want an extra saucy Croque, spread a thin layer of béchamel or Dijon before assembling.
For a runnier yolk, remove the fried egg from heat just as the whites set; residual heat will finish them.
Drain any excess moisture from ham or thawed frozen ingredients to avoid soggy bread.

Delicious Variations

Croque Madame Deluxe: Add sliced tomato and a light béchamel sauce before adding the top slice.
Turkey & Swiss: Substitute turkey slices for ham and use Swiss cheese for a milder flavor.
Veggie version: Replace ham with grilled mushrooms or spinach; add caramelized onions for sweetness.
Spicy twist: Add a thin smear of harissa or sriracha for heat.
Open-faced: Toast bread, top with ham and cheese under the broiler, then place a fried egg on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this without ham?
A: Yes. Swap ham for turkey, roasted vegetables, or extra mushrooms. For a vegetarian option, use smoked tofu or a tomato slice.

Q: What cheese melts best for a Croque?
A: Gruyère and Emmental are classic and melt beautifully. Fontina, Swiss, or even a mild cheddar also work.

Q: How do I get a perfectly runny yolk?
A: Fry eggs over medium-low heat and stop when whites are set but yolks still wobble, about 3–4 minutes for sunny side up. Covering the pan briefly helps cook whites without firming yolks too much.

Q: Can I make this for more people at once?
A: Yes. Use multiple skillets or work in batches. Keep finished sandwiches warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.

Q: Why did my bread get soggy?
A: Soggy bread usually means excess moisture from ingredients or too low heat. Pat wet ingredients dry and use medium heat to crisp the bread quickly.

Q: Is there a low-sodium option?
A: Choose low-sodium ham or ham alternatives, use reduced-sodium cheese, and limit added salt. Freshly cooked turkey or roasted veggies can reduce sodium significantly.

Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free bread slices. Ensure other ingredients (like mustard) are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Madame Croque Toast is a simple, comforting sandwich that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The contrast between crispy, buttery bread, melted cheese, and a silky egg makes every bite crave-worthy. Try it for an easy brunch or a quick dinner—small tweaks let you customize it to your taste. Enjoy the warmth and richness, and don’t be afraid to make it your own.