Croque Madame Croissant Recipe
ham, fontina, mornay sauce, over-easy egg on a grilled croissant served with fried potatoes
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Ingredients
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For the croissant sandwiches
For the Mornay sauce
For the fried potatoes
For the eggs
Finishing
Method
For the Mornay sauce
Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1 tablespoon heavy cream, smoothing any lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer while whisking; the sauce will thicken in 3–5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 1 cup grated Gruyère and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until fully melted and the sauce is glossy. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Keep warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally. If too thick, thin with up to 2 tablespoons milk.
For the fried potatoes
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When shimmering, add 1 pound diced potatoes in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Cook, undisturbed, 4–5 minutes until the undersides brown. Stir and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 8–10 minutes until potatoes are tender and crisped on the edges.
Add 1/2 small finely chopped onion and 1 teaspoon minced garlic to the pan; cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Keep warm and lightly cover while finishing other components.
For the croissant sandwiches
Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Slice 4 large croissants horizontally, keeping bases intact if you prefer (or split fully).
Spread a light layer of butter (about 2 tablespoons divided) on the outside cut faces of each croissant for grilling.
Layer inside each croissant base: 2 slices ham and about 1/2 cup shredded Fontina (divide equally among 4 croissants). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the warm Mornay sauce over the cheese in each sandwich (reserve remaining Mornay to top later). Close the croissants and press lightly.
Place sandwiches butter-side down on the preheated griddle. Grill 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and grill the other side 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and both sides are crisp and golden. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if needed.
For the eggs
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low and add 1 tablespoon butter. Crack 4 large eggs into the pan, spacing them so they do not touch.
Cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 2–3 minutes for over-easy. Season the whites with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Carefully flip each egg and cook 15–30 seconds just to seal the top (for over-easy); remove from heat and keep warm.
Assembly and finishing
Place each grilled croissant on a plate. Spoon an additional 1–2 tablespoons of Mornay sauce over the top of each sandwich, letting it cascade into the seams.