Bobby Flay Croque Madame – A French Classic with a Gourmet Twist

Bobby Flay’s Croque Madame is a rich, indulgent French sandwich made with ham, melted cheese, creamy béchamel, and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Perfect for brunch or an elevated breakfast, this café-style dish delivers crisp textures and bold flavor in every bite.

What is Bobby Flay’s Croque Madame?

A Croque Madame is a French ham and cheese sandwich covered in béchamel sauce, toasted to golden perfection, and crowned with a fried egg. Bobby Flay’s version emphasizes quality ingredients, a silky sauce, and precise technique for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Other Bobby Flay Recipes

• Bobby Flay Cornbread Chorizo Stuffing
• Bobby Flay Baked Beans
• Bobby Flay Grilled Boneless Leg of Lamb

Why You Love This Recipe

• French comfort on a plate – Buttery, cheesy, and perfectly crisp
• Bobby Flay’s gourmet spin – Restaurant-quality yet easy to make at home
• Perfect for brunch – Looks elegant and feels indulgent
• Rich béchamel makes all the difference – Silky, creamy topping brings it together
• Versatile and filling – Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Ingredients Needed to Make Bobby Flay Croque Madame

• Thick-cut white bread – 4 slices
• Black forest ham – 4–6 slices
• Gruyère cheese (shredded) – 1 cup
• Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
• Whole milk (warm) – 1½ cups
• Nutmeg (freshly grated) – A pinch
• Salt and pepper – To taste
• Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon
• Large eggs – 2
• Olive oil or butter (for frying eggs) – 1 tablespoon

Instructions to Prepare Bobby Flay Croque Madame

• Make the béchamel sauce – Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warm milk, whisking until smooth and thick. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Toast the bread – Lightly butter each slice and toast until golden on a skillet or in a toaster oven.
• Assemble the sandwich – Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread. Add ham and some Gruyère, then top with the other slices.
• Top and broil – Spoon béchamel over each sandwich and sprinkle with more Gruyère. Broil until bubbly and browned.
• Fry the eggs – In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter and cook eggs sunny-side-up or to your preference.
• Serve immediately – Top each sandwich with a fried egg and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Bobby Flay Croque Madame

• Pairs wonderfully with arugula salad – A light, peppery contrast
• Serve with roasted potatoes – Crispy sides balance the creamy sandwich
• Great with tomato bisque – A warm, comforting pairing
• Goes well with fruit salad – Refreshing break from the richness
• Perfect alongside a glass of sparkling wine – Elegant brunch combo
• Pairs with iced coffee or espresso – Cuts through the creaminess

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Bobby Flay Croque Madame

• Use day-old or sturdy bread – Prevents sogginess from sauce
• Shred your own cheese – Melts better than pre-shredded varieties
• Broil carefully – Watch closely to avoid burning the top
• Cook eggs last minute – Ensures the yolk stays runny
• Season the béchamel properly – A pinch of nutmeg goes a long way
• Don’t overload with ham – Keep a balance between ingredients

Variations of Bobby Flay’s Croque Madame

• Croque Monsieur version – Simply omit the fried egg
• Add spinach or arugula – For a fresh green layer
• Use turkey instead of ham – A lighter protein swap
• Spicy twist with pepper jack cheese – Adds a kick to the classic
• Add caramelized onions – For sweetness and depth
• Try with sourdough or rye – For a unique bread base

Storage Guidelines for Bobby Flay Croque Madame

• Refrigerate within 2 hours – Store leftovers in an airtight container
• Wrap individually in foil – Keeps sandwiches fresh
• Consume within 2 days – Best eaten fresh due to the egg and sauce
• Don’t freeze – Béchamel and egg textures won’t hold up well

Reheating Tips for Bobby Flay Croque Madame

• Reheat in the oven – Warm at 325°F for 10 minutes, uncovered
• Avoid the microwave if possible – It can make bread soggy and eggs rubbery
• Reheat béchamel separately – If made in advance, rewarm on the stove
• Top with a fresh egg – Cook a new egg just before serving

Nutritional Value (per Serving)

• Calories: 610 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Cholesterol: 230 mg

FAQs

What is the difference between Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur?

The only difference is the egg. A Croque Madame includes a fried or poached egg on top, while a Croque Monsieur does not.

What cheese does Bobby Flay use for Croque Madame?

Gruyère is the preferred cheese due to its rich, melty texture and nutty flavor, ideal for béchamel-topped sandwiches.

Can I make Croque Madame ahead of time?

You can prepare the béchamel sauce and toast the bread ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and cook the sandwich fresh for optimal texture.

What’s the best bread for Croque Madame?

Thick-sliced white bread or brioche works best, providing a sturdy base that holds up to the béchamel and fried egg.

Final Words

Bobby Flay’s Croque Madame elevates the traditional sandwich with a rich béchamel, gooey cheese, and a perfectly fried egg. It’s a brunch favorite that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a go-to indulgence.

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