Gluten-Free Croque Madame – A Classic French Delight Without the Gluten

Savor the rich, savory flavors of a French café classic with this Gluten-Free Croque Madame! Layers of smoky ham, creamy Gruyère, and a silky béchamel sauce are topped with a perfectly fried egg, all in a gluten-free twist on a beloved breakfast or brunch dish. Perfect for cozy mornings, this Croque Madame is a gourmet delight you can enjoy without the gluten.

This Gluten-Free Croque Madame has become one of our favorite family weekend breakfasts. My husband loves the classic French flavors, and our kids are all about the gooey, melty cheese topped with that golden-yolked egg. It’s become a Sunday morning ritual in our home – a little taste of France that fills the house with irresistible smells and brings us all together at the breakfast table.

Why This Gluten-Free Croque Madame is a Must-Try

• Classic French Flavors, Gluten-Free: This Croque Madame brings the rich, creamy, and savory flavors of a traditional French sandwich without the gluten, so everyone can enjoy it.
• Gooey Gruyère and Savory Ham: The layers of Gruyère and gluten-free ham create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels indulgent and comforting.
• Golden, Runny Egg: Topped with a perfectly fried egg, this Croque Madame has all the elements of a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
• Easy to Make and Impressive to Serve: This dish feels gourmet but is simple to make, making it a great option for treating yourself or impressing guests.

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches (Serves 4)

• 8 slices gluten-free bread
• 115 g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 12 slices gluten-free ham
• 200 g (2 cups) shredded Gruyère cheese or gluten-free cheese of choice
• 4 large eggs
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Microgreens, optional (for garnish)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

For the Gluten-Free Béchamel Sauce

• 45 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 12 g (1½ tbsp) gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) gluten-free Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center.
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for about 30 seconds until smooth and lightly golden.
   • Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring the sauce remains smooth. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until it thickens.
   • Remove from heat and add the Dijon mustard, salt, and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   • Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Arrange four slices, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
   • Add three slices of ham and a generous layer of Gruyère cheese to each slice of bread.
   • Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
4. Bake and Broil:
   • Bake the sandwiches for about 6 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese has started to melt.
   • Remove from the oven and spread a layer of the béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
   • Broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
5. Fry the Eggs:
   • In a skillet, melt a small amount of butter or oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Assemble and Serve:
   • Place one fried egg on top of each sandwich. Garnish with fresh chives, microgreens (if using), and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent, gluten-free Croque Madame!

Notes:

• Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyère is not available, Swiss cheese or a gluten-free cheese blend works well.
• Milk Options: For a lighter sauce, use half milk and half water. For a richer flavor, substitute with heavy cream.
• Storage Tips: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
• Add Greens: A small side salad or lightly dressed arugula makes a great accompaniment to this hearty dish.