There are few sandwiches as comforting as a Croque Madame and our wholesome, organic eggs are the perfect way to top off this French favourite. We’ve chosen sharp cheddar and thick, quality ham in our toastie – a classic combination of hearty ingredients.
Prep time 5 minutes | Cook time 15 minutes | Serves 2
30g unsalted butter, plus extra for frying the eggs
30g plain flour
250ml whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, heaped
175g mature cheddar cheese
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 slices sourdough bread
4 slices free range or organic ham, thick-cut
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 Stonegate Estate Organic eggs
1 sprig of rosemary (optional)
Place a medium saucepan over a medium heat and add 30g butter. When it starts bubbling away, add the flour and cook for two to three minutes, stirring regularly.
Pour in two thirds of the milk, turn up the heat and bring to a simmer. Whisk well and as it starts to thicken, add the rest of the milk, whisking continually.
When the sauce is thick and bubbling away, add the mustard, 100g of the cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and set aside, then pre-heat the grill.
Pop the bread under the hot grill and when toasted, remove from the grill. Spoon a third of the rich cheese sauce over the top of two slices of the toast, divide the ham between the two, then spoon over a little more sauce. Arrange the top tier toast slices before covering them generously with the remaining sauce.
Set a small frying pan over a medium high heat, whilst you scatter the last of the cheddar cheese over the sandwiches and pop them under the grill.
Once the pan is hot, add the olive oil and the remaining butter and when it starts bubbling away, crack in your eggs. If using, toss in a sprig of rosemary and season the eggs lightly with more salt and pepper. Baste the eggs with the hot butter and oil or flip them if you prefer.
When the sandwiches are golden and bubbling on top, remove them from under the grill. Lift the fried eggs from the pan and set them on top of each sandwich to complete your Croque Madame.
