Croque Madame Recipe
This Croque Madame recipe delivers a rich, indulgent take on the French café classic with a griddle-cooked twist, making it perfect for brunch or a satisfying lunch. Featured on Griddle Nation with host Nate Lippy, this recipe layers ham, melted cheese, creamy béchamel, and a perfectly fried egg for a bold yet approachable dish you can recreate at home.
The Inspiration
On Griddle Nation, Nate Lippy draws inspiration from viral food trends and reimagines them using the versatility of the griddle. This Croque Madame pays homage to the iconic French sandwich traditionally served in cafés, known for its luxurious layers and signature topping of a sunny-side-up egg.
Nate’s version stays true to the spirit of the original while adapting it for high-heat cooking on a flat-top surface. By preparing the béchamel directly on the griddle and assembling the sandwich with multiple cheeses and cured meats, he enhances both flavor and texture. The result is a dish that feels elevated yet accessible—perfect for home cooks who want to bring a taste of classic French comfort food into their own kitchens without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp Butter
- 2 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 8oz. Gruyere, Shredded
- 2C Whole Milk
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Pinch of Nutmeg
- 4 Slices Thick Sourdough Bread
- 6 Slices Black Forest Ham
- 6 Slices Prosciutto
- 4 Slices Havarti Cheese
- 4 Slices Smoked Provolone Cheese
- ½ C Arugula
- 1Tbsp Parsley, Chopped for Garnish
- 2 Eggs
Methods
- Preheat griddle to medium high heat. Allow 10-15 minutes or until the surface darkens and light smoke appears
- Place a cast iron skillet on griddle and add 2TB butter and 2TB flour to create the roux. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes whisking.
- To the roux, add milk, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in 6oz. shredded gruyere until smooth.
- Once sauce is well incorporated, move it to a cooler part of the griddle while you build the sandwiches.
- Add butter to griddle and place bread down, toast 1-2 minutes or until golden brown on this one side and pull off to build the sandwich.
- Meanwhile, add the ham to griddle to warm. Let this cook for only a minute and pull off.
- Start with toasted side up on bread, then add Havarti, ham, prosciutto, arugula, and provolone. Top with 2nd slice of bread, toasted side down.
- Place sandwiches back on the griddle to cook. Use a dome to cover to help melt the cheese inside. Sandwiches should cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy golden brown.
- To plate, place sandwich down and spoon cheese sauce from earlier over top, allowing it to cascade down on the sides. Quickly fry one egg per sandwich- sunny-side-up and place on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Croque Madame is ideal for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy béchamel and melted cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or simple fries for a more indulgent meal. For beverages, consider serving it with freshly brewed coffee, a light white wine, or even a sparkling drink to cut through the richness. When entertaining, presenting the sandwiches whole with the egg on top creates an impressive visual, while slicing them just before serving allows guests to enjoy the full combination of textures and flavors in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Croque Madame recipe is a delicious celebration of classic French comfort food, elevated through the bold, high-heat approach of griddle cooking. With its layers of savory meats, melted cheese, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked egg, it offers a balance of richness and texture that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Nate Lippy’s approach makes this traditionally upscale dish accessible for home cooks, proving that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques—just thoughtful preparation and quality ingredients. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers elegance and comfort in every bite. It’s a timeless dish with a modern twist that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
For more information, check out the Griddle Nation website.