Croque Madame with Figs

A croque madame is a classic French sandwich made with ham and Gruyere cheese and topped with a fried egg. This version gets a seasonal twist with the addition of fresh figs.

Preview

1. Ingredients

• 4 slices brioche or other rich egg bread
• 8 thin slices ham
• 8 thin slices Gruyere cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 8 small figs, halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Mornay sauce (see recipe below)

2. Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Butter each slice of brioche on one side. On the unbuttered side, layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of cheese. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the brioche is golden brown. Remove from the oven.
3. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Fry 2 eggs sunny-side up or over easy, as you prefer.
5. Repeat with the remaining 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon of butter.
6. Season the eggs with salt and pepper to taste.
7. When they are cooked to your liking, place 2 eggs on top of each Croque madame. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately, with fig halves on the side.

3. Conclusion

This Croque Madame with figs is best served with a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It would also be great with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner.