Croque Madame Waffles Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a delightful twist on the classic Croque Madame by transforming it into crispy, cheesy waffles topped with savory ham and a perfectly cooked egg. This recipe combines creamy béchamel, melted gruyere, and a tender waffle base for a brunch favorite that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for béchamel)
• 2 cups whole milk (for béchamel)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for waffles)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for waffles)
• 1¾ cups whole milk (for waffles)
• ¼ cup butter, melted (for waffles)
• 1 cup shaved ham, diced (folded into batter)
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded (folded into batter)
• 18-24 slices shaved ham (for topping)
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded (for topping)
• 6 eggs, poached or fried to your desired doneness (for serving)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chives, chopped for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: To make the béchamel, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid browning.
2. Step 2: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir in 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1¾ cups milk, and ¼ cup melted butter until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in 1 cup diced shaved ham and 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese gently into the batter.
7. Step 7: Grease the waffle maker lightly and pour about ¾ cup of batter onto the surface. Close and cook until waffles are golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
8. Step 8: Place cooked waffles on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spoon about one-sixth of the béchamel sauce over each waffle.
9. Step 9: Layer 3-4 slices of shaved ham on top of the béchamel, then sprinkle with shredded gruyere cheese. Broil in the oven until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbling and hot.
10. Step 10: Transfer to serving plates and top each waffle with a poached or fried egg. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, use a blend of gruyere and cheddar cheeses in the batter and toppings.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the béchamel sauce.
• Leftover waffles can be toasted again for a quick snack or served with a simple green salad for a light meal.

Storage

Store leftover waffles and béchamel separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat béchamel gently on the stove and toast waffles in a toaster or oven until warmed through before assembling and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, béchamel can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stove while stirring to restore its smooth texture.

What type of ham works best for this recipe?

Shaved or thinly sliced deli ham works best for the topping and batter. It heats quickly and blends well with the cheese and waffles.

Croque Madame Waffles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 137 reviews

Croque Madame Waffles are a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich, combining crispy, savory waffles loaded with ham and Gruyère cheese, topped with creamy béchamel sauce and a perfectly cooked egg. This recipe offers a decadent brunch or lunch option that is both comforting and impressive.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Béchamel Sauce

• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 4 Tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Waffle Batter

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1¾ cups whole milk
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup shaved ham, diced
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Assembly

• 18–24 slices shaved ham
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 6 eggs, poached or fried to your desired doneness
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning
• Chives, chopped, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan or skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid browning and to cook off the raw flour flavor. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk little by little to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the waffle batter: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir in 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1¾ cups whole milk, and ¼ cup melted butter until just combined. Gently fold in 1 cup diced shaved ham and 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese.
3. Cook the waffles: Grease the preheated waffle maker lightly. Pour about ¾ cup of batter onto the surface, close the lid, and cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. Repeat for the remaining batter.
4. Assemble the Croque Madame Waffles: Place the cooked waffles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread about ⅙ of the prepared béchamel sauce evenly over each waffle. Top each with 3-4 slices of shaved ham and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese. Broil the waffles briefly until the cheese melts and the béchamel is hot and bubbly.
5. Add the finishing touches: Transfer the waffles to serving plates. Top each with a poached or fried egg cooked to your preference. Season with salt and pepper as desired and garnish with chopped chives if using. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Notes

• To ensure smooth béchamel, whisk milk in gradually and stir constantly while heating.
• If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, Swiss or Emmental cheese can be good substitutes.
• Adjust the egg doneness according to your liking: soft-poached will add creaminess, while fried eggs add texture.
• Use a non-stick spray or brush the waffle iron with melted butter to prevent sticking.
• Leftover waffles can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven but are best fresh.

Keywords: Croque Madame, Waffles, French Sandwich, Béchamel Sauce, Ham and Cheese, Brunch Recipe