Recipe Station

The sauce this recipe uses is a version of the classic Béchamel one of the “mother sauces” of French Cuisine.  Adding cheese to the sauce, actually makes it a “Mornay.” It's a great sauce for chicken, veggies, casseroles, even the American classic Mac & Cheese (if you add a little extra cheese).

Here Is What You Need…

The Ingredients To Gather:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 10 to 12 slices white bread
• 3/4 pound deli ham
• 1 1/2 cups Gruyere
• 6 eggs

The Step By Step Directions To Follow:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Whisk in the milk.
5. Whisk in the mustard and nutmeg.
6. Pour a thin layer of the sauce into the prepared baking dish and cover it with 5-6 slices of the bread, then slices of the ham and an even layer of the Gruyere.
7. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes.
8. Crack 3 eggs into the skillet and season to taste.
9. You're going to top each portion of the casserole with a fried egg.
10. Top with Gruyere and it in the oven for a few minutes until cheese melts.

Finished!

The dish is so rich and satisfying, it works great as a main course for brunch, accompanied by a light salad (try arugula or mixed greens with tomato and vinaigrette). How did your Croque Madame turn out?

Happy Baking & Enjoy!

Article Source: Paula Deen (DFC, pg. 110)

Photo Source: PHOTO BY CHELSEA KYLE, FOOD STYLING BY RHODA BOONE