This dish features two slices of toasted bread topped with fresh asparagus, ham, and a sunny egg each. The Bechamel sauce is evenly spread over the assembled toasts, while some extra asparagus spears on the side add color and freshness.

Asparagus Croque Madame

Name: Asparagus Croque Madame
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: white bread slices, 4 slices; ham slices, 4 slices; asparagus spears, 8 spears trimmed; eggs, 2; unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons; all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons; whole milk, 1 cup; salt, 1/4 teaspoon; black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon; grated nutmeg, pinch grated; grated Gruyere cheese, 1/4 cup

Category Brunch

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 20 minutes

Style French

Technique toasting

Diet Friendly Non-Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: May 27, 2023

This recipe is a twist on the classic Croque Madame and will transport you to a cozy French cafe. Our seasonal twist includes some fresh asaparagus and sunny side up eggs on top. You'll love the creaminess from the Bechamel sauce, the crunchiness from the toasted bread, and the freshness from the asparagus. Bon appétit!

Ingredients (for 2)

White bread slices - 4 slices
Ham slices - 4 slices
Asparagus spears - 8 spears - trimmed
Eggs - 2
Unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons
Whole milk - 1 cup
Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper - 1/8 teaspoon
Grated nutmeg - pinch - grated
Grated gruyere cheese - 1/4 cup

Preparation

Step 1 - 🌡️🔥❄️

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2 - 🍞🔥👌

Butter each slice of bread and place on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3 - 🌿🔪🥄

In the meantime, blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water until tender but still crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 4 - 🥣🧈🌡️

To make the Bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, stirring often. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Gruyere cheese, then stir until the cheese is melted.
Step 5 - 🍞🍖🧀

Take the bread out of the oven, and place two slices on a baking sheet. Top each slice of bread with a slice of ham and two asparagus spears. Spoon Bechamel sauce evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake until the sauce is bubbling and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6 - 🍳🍳🍳

In a non-stick pan, fry two eggs until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.
Step 7 - 🍽️🍳🌿

Remove the Croque Madame from the oven and top each with a fried egg. Serve with extra asparagus on the side.

Additional

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with sauteed mushrooms, and the Bechamel sauce with a creamy Mornay sauce made with vegetable broth. You can also switch the asparagus with blanched and sliced fennel or Swiss chard. Kids can help assemble the Croque Madames and place them on the baking sheet. They can also top their slices of toast with their favorite veggies or cheese. Enjoy!