Croque Madame

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for grilling
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper
• 8 slices sandwich bread
• 8 oz thinly sliced French ham
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère
• 4 eggs

Before you cook

• Grate the Gruyère cheese if it isn't already grated.
• Lay out the bread slices on a work surface.
• Preheat the broiler.

Steps

1. Melt the 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the milk in a slow stream, whisking constantly to keep it smooth.
4. Simmer the béchamel, whisking often, for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
5. Season the béchamel with nutmeg, salt and pepper, then remove it from the heat.
6. Toast the bread slices lightly under the broiler or in a toaster.
7. Lay 4 slices of toasted bread on a baking sheet.
8. Top each with ham and a small handful of Gruyère.
9. Close each sandwich with the remaining toasted bread slices.
10. Spread a generous layer of béchamel over the top of each sandwich.
11. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère over the béchamel.
12. Broil the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
13. Melt a little butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
14. Fry the eggs in the butter until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
15. Slide a fried egg on top of each sandwich just before serving.