Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make gluten-free recipe? Look no further than this Gluten-Free Croque Madame! This classic French dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. With its layers of ham, cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these sandwiches ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Sandwich:
- Gluten-free bread: Use your favorite gluten-free bread for this recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sandwich.
- Gluten-free ham: Look for a high-quality gluten-free ham, such as Boar’s Head.
- Shredded Gruyère cheese: Provides a melty, cheesy goodness to the sandwich.
- Large eggs: Used for dipping and frying the sandwiches.
- Fresh chives: Adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
- Microgreens: Optional, but adds a nice touch of color and freshness.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and flavor.
For the Gluten-Free Béchamel Sauce:
- Unsalted butter: Used as the base for the sauce.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Whole milk: Creates a creamy and rich sauce.
- Gluten-free Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the sauce.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm and nutty flavor to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by making the gluten-free béchamel sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and nutmeg until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading butter on the bread slices. Layer ham and cheese on one slice, then top with another slice of bread.
- Dip the sandwiches in beaten eggs, then fry in a skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Top the sandwiches with the béchamel sauce, chives, microgreens, and cracked black pepper.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a good quality gluten-free bread for the best results.
- Be sure to cook the sandwiches on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite ingredients, such as turkey or bacon.
- Store any leftover béchamel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the béchamel sauce.
- Use a blend of cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, for a more complex flavor.
- Serve the sandwiches with a side of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Gluten-Free Croque Madame with a side of mixed greens, fresh fruit, or a cup of soup for a complete meal. For drinks, try serving with a mimosa or a cup of hot tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives. - Can I freeze the sandwiches?
While the sandwiches can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. It is best to enjoy them fresh if possible. - Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the béchamel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. Simply reheat before serving.
Conclusion:
With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, this Gluten-Free Croque Madame is a must-try recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Gluten-Free Croque Madame
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a delicious gluten-free twist on the classic Croque Madame sandwich, featuring layers of ham, Gruyère cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with a perfectly cooked egg. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices gluten-free bread
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 12 slices gluten-free ham (e.g., Boar’s Head)
- 2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or a suitable gluten-free alternative)
- 4 large eggs
- Fresh chives (chopped for garnish)
- Microgreens (for serving (optional))
- Freshly cracked black pepper (for serving)
For the Gluten-Free Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp gluten-free Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in mustard, salt, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place ham and cheese on unbuttered side of 4 slices. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
- Cook the Sandwich: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sandwiches until golden brown on both sides.
- Prepare the Eggs: In a separate skillet, fry eggs to desired doneness.
- Assemble the Croque Madame: Place a cooked egg on top of each sandwich. Drizzle with béchamel sauce and garnish with chives, microgreens, and black pepper.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like cooked bacon or vegetables to the sandwich.
- Make sure to use gluten-free ingredients to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg