Croque Madame

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 slices white bread, lightly toasted
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 thin slices Black Forest ham
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill, or to taste (Optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Bechamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in Gruyère, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

2. 2

   Assemble Sandwiches: Spread one side of each bread slice with Dijon mustard. Top with ham, bechamel sauce, and another bread slice.

3. 3

   Cook Sandwiches: In a skillet, melt remaining butter. Cook sandwiches until golden brown on both sides.

4. 4

   Fry Eggs: In the same skillet, fry eggs to desired doneness.

5. 5

   Assemble Croque Madame: Place a fried egg on top of each sandwich. Sprinkle with fresh dill (if using) and serve hot.