Croque Madame - gourmet French toast

Croque Madame – French toast with ham, cheese and fried egg

Croque Madame is the ultimate take on a luxurious toast that doesn't require much, but delivers lots of flavor and wow-factor. It essentially consists of two slices of good bread, butter, cheese, ham – and what sets it apart from its brother Croque Monsieur: a fried egg on top.

The buttered bread becomes crispy and golden on the outside, while the cheese melts and brings the whole sandwich together in the middle. The saltiness of the ham, the creaminess of the cheese and the soft fried egg on top provide a perfect balance. When you cut into the toast and the yolk runs all over the warm sandwich, you understand why this French classic has won hearts around the world.

You don't need to be a master chef or spend hours in the kitchen. In fact, you can make a Croque Madame in under 25 minutes. Use bread with a bit of texture and flavor – such as country bread or sourdough bread – and choose a cheese with good melting properties and character, such as Gruyère, Emmental or a sharp cheddar.

Mustard is optional, but can provide a delicious counterpoint to the fat and creaminess. Try Dijon mustard for a classic French touch.

Perfect for brunch with friends, a quick weekend lunch or a late dinner with a glass of wine, Croque Madame is endlessly versatile – try turkey instead of ham, or add some tomato, spinach or caramelized onions for a twist.

If you want to impress with something simple yet elegant, Croque Madame is always a safe choice. It combines the best of the world of toast with French finesse – and is as tasty as it is easy to make.