Croque Madame With Fried Egg

Step 1

To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a sauté pan set over medium heat until foamy

Step 2

Sprinkle the flour over the top of the butter and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute

Step 3

The mixture will clump together and bubble

Step 4

Gradually add the milk, whisking until mixture is smooth

Step 5

Add the thyme to the pan, and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4 minutes

Step 6

Whisk in mustard, nutmeg and salt

Step 7

Remove from heat, Set aside.Heat oven to 375° F.Butter just 1 side of the 8 bread slices with 1 tablespoon of butter each

Step 8

Place four of the bread slices butter side down on a baking sheet

Step 9

Place 3 folded slices of ham on each slice of bread and cover each sandwich with 1/4 cup grated cheese

Step 10

Top with the remaining slices of bread butter side up.Toast sandwiches in the oven for 6 minutes until slightly golden and cheese is melted.Remove baking sheet from oven and pour the béchamel sauce evenly over all four sandwiches

Step 11

Top each sandwich with ¼ cup grated cheese each

Step 12

Place under broiler until cheese is bubble and beginning to brown

Step 13

About 3-4 minutes.In a small medium saucepan, set over medium-heat the olive oil or butter (if using) until hot and bubbly

Step 14

Break eggs into pan 1 at a time

Step 15

Turn heat to medium-low

Step 16

Slowly cook the eggs, until the whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not yet firm

Step 17

Place 1 egg on each sandwich

Step 18

Top with chives, microgreens and freshly cracked black pepper