Description
This Puff Pastry Croque Madame recipe is a decadent twist on the classic French sandwich, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with savory ham and Gruyère cheese, topped with a perfectly fried egg. Ideal for brunch or a special breakfast, this dish combines buttery, crispy pastry with melty cheese and rich egg yolk for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 slices of good-quality ham
- 4 slices of Gruyère cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Topping and Seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the croque madame pastries.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into two rectangles large enough to fold over the fillings.
- Spread Mustard: Evenly coat the surface of each pastry rectangle with Dijon mustard to add a tangy depth of flavor.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Gruyère cheese on one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving edges free for sealing.
- Fold and Seal: Gently fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no filling escapes while baking.
- Butter the Pastry: Melt the unsalted butter and brush it evenly over the top of each pastry to help achieve a golden, crisp finish.
- Bake the Pastries: Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and puffed.
- Fry the Eggs: In a skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Crack the eggs in and fry until the whites are fully cooked but the yolks remain runny.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove baked pastries from the oven, let cool slightly, then top each with a fried egg. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality ham and Gruyère cheese for the best flavor.
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- To avoid soggy pastry, don’t overload the filling and seal edges carefully.
- Serve immediately after assembling with the fried egg for optimal crispness and runny yolk.
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a nice fresh touch but are optional.
