Papa's Pepper Croque Madame
(Courtesy of Spencer from @spencerthecook from Instagram ... )
The classics are a classics for a reason, and the Croque Madame falls into that category! It's definitely a rich, salty, savory sandwich so I add a little more flavor and some heat with Papa's Pepper to cut through some of that richness. I also add bacon to mine because everything is better with bacon! Don't let trying to make a classic intimidate you! This dish only has a couple parts and they come together easily and beautifully!
For the Mornay sauce:
4T Unsalted butter
5T Cornstarch
3C Whole milk, warmed
1C Parmesan cheese, shredded
2C Smoked Gouda, shredded
1T Fresh ground black pepper
1t Mustard powder
1t Granulated garlic
2t Papa's Pepper premium spice blend
For the sandwich:
8 Slices sourdough bread, toasted
12 Slices bacon
8 Slices quality ham
4 Eggs
Pre-heat oven to 375°
Spray a sheet pan with non stick spray and lay bacon flat on sheet pan and cook in oven for 15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
While the bacon is cooking melt the butter in a dutch oven over medium high heat. Once the butter starts to sizzle, add cornstarch and stir for 3-4 minutes. Add warm milk and stir for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Add spices and then add cheese and stir to melt. Sauce should be a little thicker than nappé ( a sauce that coats the back of a spoon when removed from sauce is considered nappé). If the sauce gets too thick you can add milk and stir to get desired consistency. Fry ham slices in frying pan until brown and caramelized.
Assembly:
Turn broiler on low, 400°
On a sheet pan lay four pieces of toasted sourdough bread. Ladle Mornay sauce onto each piece of toasted bread to cover each piece. Place 2 slices of fried ham on top of the Mornay sauce. Place three slices of bacon on top of ham and then top with remaining sourdough toast. Ladle more Mornay sauce over the top of each sandwich until the toast is covered. Place under broiler until Mornay sauce is golden brown on top 3-4 minutes. While sandwiches are under broiler cook four eggs, sunny side up. Remove sandwiches from broiler once golden, top each sandwich with a sunny side up egg and fresh ground black pepper. Serve and Enjoy!