By williams

March 24, 2025

0

Madame Crumpet

Categories : Breakfast ‘n’ Brunch

If you’re looking to elevate your brunch game, this Crumpet-Style Croque Madame is the perfect dish to impress. A Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich featuring ham, cheese, and a luscious béchamel sauce, topped with a fried egg. Today, we’re giving it a fun twist by using crumpets as the base. The result? A crispy, gooey, and utterly delicious brunch masterpiece. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

(Serves 6)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (or Emmental for a milder flavor)
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • Salt to taste

For the Madame Crumpet:

  • 6 crumpets
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 6 slices of high-quality ham
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Fried Egg:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
4 step by step photos showing how to make bechamel sauce with gruyere

Madame Crumpet

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Season with nutmeg, white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumpets

  1. Toast the crumpets lightly in a toaster or under the grill until golden and crispy.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over each crumpet.
  3. Layer a slice of ham on top of each crumpet, folding or tearing it to fit neatly.
  4. Spoon a generous amount of béchamel sauce over the ham, spreading it evenly.
  5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 3: Grill the Crumpets

  1. Place the prepared crumpets under a preheated grill (broiler) for 3-5 minutes, or until the béchamel is bubbling and the Parmesan is golden brown.

Step 4: Fry the Eggs

  1. While the crumpets are grilling, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a little butter.
  2. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook to your preference (sunny side up is recommended for that runny yolk!). Season with salt and black pepper.
4 step by step photos showing how to make madame crumpet

Don’t forget the egg!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  1. Once the crumpets are out of the grill, top each one with a fried egg.
  2. Serve immediately, either on their own or with a side of hash browns or a simple green salad for a complete brunch experience.

Tips and Variations

  • No Egg? No Problem! Skip the egg, and you’ve got yourself a Crumpet-Style Croque Monsieur.
  • Cheese Swap: If Gruyere is hard to find, try using sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese.
  • Add Greens: For a fresh twist, add a handful of arugula (rocket) or spinach under the ham.

This Crumpet-Style Croque Madame is a delightful fusion of French elegance and British comfort. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Bon appétit!