Croque-Madame
An extravagant hot sandwich, the croque-madame layers ham with a rich Gruyère cheese sauce and is uniquely topped with a fried egg.
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven broiler.
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Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt 1 tablespoon butter, cook flour for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg; cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened. Stir in Parmesan and half of the Gruyère cheese.
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Assemble two sandwiches on a baking sheet: spread bread with Dijon mustard (if desired), add ham, a portion of the thick cheese sauce, the remaining Gruyère, and a second slice of bread.
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Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet. Brush the sandwich tops with some melted butter, then place them buttered side down. Brush more butter on top and cook 2 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Transfer the sandwiches to the baking sheet. Spread the remaining cheese sauce over the tops, ensuring edges are coated. Broil for about 2 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and begins to brown.
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Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet. Crack each egg into the skillet and cook, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the whites are set and yolks are runny.
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Serve the broiled sandwiches immediately, topped with a fried egg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.