Indulge in the culinary essence of France with our delectable Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame. These iconic French sandwiches boast layers of thinly sliced ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and rich gruyère cheese, all enveloped between two slices of golden, toasted bread. For the Croque Madame, a luscious addition of a perfectly fried egg crowns the sandwich, elevating its flavors to new heights. Whether you're seeking a satisfying lunch or a delightful brunch option, our Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame promise a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of Paris with every bite. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

For Croque Monsieur:

• 4 slices of white bread
• 4 slices of ham
• 100g (about 1 cup) of grated gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dijon mustard (optional)

For Croque Madame (in addition to the above):

• 2 eggs
• Extra butter or oil for frying the eggs

Instructions:

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

1- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2- Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.

3- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4- Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

5- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.

Assemble the Croque Monsieur:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- Place two slices of bread on a baking sheet.

3- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) on each slice.

4- Place a slice of ham on top of each slice of bread.

5- Spoon some béchamel sauce over the ham.

6- Sprinkle grated gruyère cheese over the sauce.

7- Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

8- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich.

9- Sprinkle additional grated gruyère cheese over the sauce.

Bake the Croque Monsieur:

1- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the sandwiches are golden and crispy.

Prepare the Croque Madame:

1- In a separate skillet, melt some butter or heat some oil over medium heat.

2- Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry them until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, or to your desired doneness.

Assemble the Croque Madame:

1- Once the Croque Monsieur sandwiches are done baking, place each one on a plate.

2- Top each Croque Monsieur with a fried egg.

Serve:

1- Serve the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Enjoy these classic French delights with a side salad or some crispy fries for a satisfying meal! Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

White Bread (per slice, about 25g):

• Calories: 65
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy, some protein for muscle repair, and a small amount of fiber for digestion.

Ham (per slice, about 28g):

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A good source of protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and phosphorus.

Gruyère Cheese (per cup grated, about 100g):

• Calories: 413
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Rich in protein and calcium, which are important for bone health and muscle function. It also provides fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin K.

Butter (per tablespoon, about 14g):

• Calories: 102
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 11.5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains healthy fats that provide energy and support cell growth. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D.

All-Purpose Flour (per tablespoon, about 8g):

• Calories: 28
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Supplies carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein. It also provides some B vitamins like niacin and thiamine.

Milk (per cup, about 240ml):

• Calories: 122
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A good source of calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health. It also provides protein for muscle repair and growth.

Egg (per large egg, about 50g):

• Calories: 70
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and choline. Eggs also contain healthy fats and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values of the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame sandwiches will depend on portion sizes and any additional ingredients or condiments used.