Three Cheese Croque Madame Recipe

This recipe is my comfort food go-to because it perfectly balances the creamy, cheesy goodness of Gruyère and Comté cheeses with the savory touch of ham, all hugged by perfectly crispy, buttery bread. Plus, that final flourish of a runny fried egg on top just seals the deal, making every bite a little piece of heaven.

Treat yourself to a melted cheese Three Cheese Croque Madame featuring Gruyère, Comté, and Parmesan swimming between slices of buttery brioche with savory ham. I love how a strip of Dijon mustard paint the interior of this sandwich and how a simple casserole dish takes crème fraîche straight from the fridge to a hand-held factor of 10.

If I had to choose between the Croque Madames of the world, this would be my number one.

Three Cheese Croque Madame Recipe Ingredients

• Bread: Provides carbohydrates for energy and a soft, fluffy texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to creaminess; contains protein and calcium.
• Gruyère Cheese: Nutty, melts well; adds protein and a deep flavor.
• Comté Cheese: Complex, sweet flavors; offers protein and calcium.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty notes; rich in protein and umami.
• Ham: Savory, adds protein and a smoky flavor.
• Eggs: Packed with protein; adds richness and structure.

Three Cheese Croque Madame Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 4 slices of thick-cut white bread or brioche
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Comté cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

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How to Make this Three Cheese Croque Madame Recipe

1. Set your oven to an even 400°F (200°C).

2. Evenly spread butter on one side of every slice of bread.

3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the leftover butter and whisk in the flour to make a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute, taking care not to brown.

4. Slowly add the milk while whisking, and then cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens. This is the basic white sauce. Then stir in the Dijon mustard and nutmeg. Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Take the sauce off of the heat and stir in the Gruyère and Comté cheeses until they are melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. In the oven, toast the 5 to 6 thin slices of bread so they are just golden. This should take about 5 minutes, but watch them closely; you want them to be lightly toasted, not overcooked.

7. Take the bread from the oven. Spread the cheese sauce evenly over the bread. Place a slice of ham on two pieces of bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

8. Put the last of the slices of bread on top, cheese-sauce side down, and press gently enough to form sandwiches without spilling any of the cheesy goodness.

9. In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggs to an doneness that pleases you. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

10. Put the sandwiches back in the oven for another 5 minutes until they’re nice and bubbly. Then, top each one with a fried egg and, if you want, some fresh chives before serving.

Three Cheese Croque Madame Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Small saucepan
3. Whisk
4. Skillet
5. Spatula or wooden spoon
6. Baking sheet
7. Knife or spreader
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups

FAQ

• Q:Is it permissible to use another kind of bread for the Croque Madame?
  A: Of course! You can use any kind of thick-sliced bread, such as sourdough, or any other kind of artisan bread that you prefer.
• Q:What can be used in place of Gruyère cheese? A: Emmental or Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute for Gruyère.
• Q:Can this recipe be made vegetarian? A: Yes, just leave out the ham, and you can either include sliced mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Q:How can I keep the bread from becoming oversaturated?
  A: Lightly toast the bread before putting the sandwich together, and serve it as soon as it’s ready.
• Q:Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Reheat it carefully on the stovetop before you need it.
• Q:What is the best method for frying eggs? A: In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over low heat and gently break the eggs into the pan. Allow them to cook until the whites are completely set for the sunny-side-up style.
• Q:Q: When is the cheese properly melted? A: The cheese mixture should be bubbly and golden brown around the edges of the sandwich under the broiler.

Three Cheese Croque Madame Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bread that is thickly sliced, either white or from a brioche: substitute with sourdough or whole grain, and you might try a gluten-free bread for the same effect.
Use Swiss cheese or Emmental in place of Gruyère.
Comté cheese: Use Beaufort or Jarlsberg in its place.
Pecorino Romano or Asiago: Substitute for Parmesan cheese.
Turkey slices or roasted chicken can be used instead of ham for a different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-toast the Bread: Before assembling the sandwiches, give the bread a light toast. This helps prevent sogginess and creates a pleasant crunch.