Print

Croque Madame Waffles 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 1824 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