If a grilled cheese ever put on its Sunday best—this would be it. The Croque Madame is France’s answer to the ultimate comfort sandwich. Buttery toasted bread, melty Gruyère, smoky ham, and a rich béchamel poured right over the top... and just when you think it couldn’t get better, in comes a perfectly fried egg like a little beret on top. Whether you're brunchin’ hard or just feelin’ fancy on a Tuesday, this sandwich is here to impress—with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp. butter, divided
• 1 tbsp. flour
• 1½ cups milk
• Thick-sliced bread, your favorite variety
• Dijon mustard, to taste
• Gruyère cheese, grated
• Sliced ham
• Fried egg

Directions

1. Make the Béchamel:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp. butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until foamy (about 1–2 minutes). Slowly whisk in the milk and continue stirring until thickened and it coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
   Spread Dijon mustard on each slice of bread. Add a generous amount of Gruyère cheese to both sides, layer in the sliced ham, and close the sandwich.
3. Grill and Broil:
   In an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 1 tbsp. butter. Grill the sandwich as you would a grilled cheese—until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
   Spoon the béchamel sauce over the top, spread evenly, and sprinkle with more Gruyère cheese. Transfer the pan to a broiler and broil until bubbly and browned.
4. Finish and Serve:
   Top the sandwich with a fried egg and serve hot.