Tasty Croque Madame Waffles

This hearty spin on breakfast takes the traditional French croque madame and turns it into an amazing brunch star. When you mix ham and gruyere into waffle batter, then add creamy sauce and a runny egg on top, you get a mind-blowing meal that takes your morning routine to another level.

I came up with these during a family holiday when I was tired of making the same old pancakes. Everyone went crazy for them, and now we make them for all our special moments like birthdays and anniversaries.

What You'll Need

• Butter: Does triple duty by making the sauce rich, the waffles soft, and adding amazing flavor throughout
• All purpose flour: Gives your waffles the right texture and helps thicken up that yummy sauce
• Whole milk: Makes everything super creamy and rich in both parts of the recipe
• Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of zip that cuts through all that creaminess just right
• Baking powder: The secret to fluffy waffles with the perfect rise
• Gruyere cheese: Brings that nutty French flavor and melts like a dream
• Shaved ham: Thin slices blend perfectly into the mix for that meaty goodness
• Eggs: The runny yolks create that signature madame touch that turns into a natural sauce

Cooking Method

Start Your Sauce:

Slowly melt butter on medium-low heat until it's just melted but not brown. Add flour and keep whisking for about 2 minutes until it smells a bit nutty but stays light colored. The mix should gently bubble as you stir to cook away that raw flour taste.

Add Milk Gradually:

Pour in milk bit by bit, about 1/4 cup at first, whisking like crazy between each pour until smooth. As it gets more liquid, you can add bigger amounts. Keep whisking until all milk is in there. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring the whole time until it's thick enough to coat a spoon.

Complete Your Sauce:

Take it off the heat and mix in the Dijon right away for extra flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste. Your sauce should be smooth as silk with no lumps and thick enough to pour but not runny.

Mix Dry Stuff:

In a big bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt with a whisk so everything's evenly mixed. Make a hole in the middle for your wet ingredients.

Add Wet Stuff:

Pour in your beaten eggs, milk and melted butter into that center hole. Fold everything together gently until just mixed. Don't worry about small lumps - they're better than overmixing!

Mix in Goodies:

Gently fold in your chopped ham and shredded cheese with a rubber spatula. Go easy so you don't flatten the batter but make sure the yummy bits are spread throughout.

Make Your Waffles:

Heat up your waffle iron completely. Give it a light coating of butter or spray. Pour about 3/4 cup of batter right in the middle and close the lid. Cook until steam stops coming out and they're golden brown, around 3-5 minutes depending on your machine.

Add Toppings:

Put your waffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Spoon plenty of sauce over each one. Layer ham slices on top. Sprinkle with the rest of your cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese gets bubbly and slightly brown at the edges.

Finish and Enjoy:

Move each waffle to a warm plate. Top with a freshly cooked egg that has a soft center. The yolk should still be liquid to mix with everything else. Throw some fresh chives on top if you want and dig in while it's hot!

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I'm totally in love with the gruyere cheese in this dish. I first tried it while traveling around Switzerland and got hooked on using it for fancy breakfasts. When it melts into the sauce, it creates these amazing pockets of flavor that turn this from just breakfast into something really special.

Prep In Advance

You can mix up the waffle batter the night before without adding the ham and cheese, then keep it in the fridge. Just stir in those ingredients in the morning before cooking. This little trick gives the flour time to soak up the liquid, making your waffles even softer, plus it saves you time when you're still half asleep.

Try Different Cheeses

Gruyere gives you that authentic French feel, but don't be afraid to play around. Smoked gouda brings an awesome depth that works great with the ham. If you like stronger flavors, sharp white cheddar really packs a punch. And for something more laid-back, Emmental has a gentle nutty taste and melts beautifully.

What To Serve With It

Make it a full brunch spread by adding a basic green salad with a tangy dressing. The zingy flavor cuts through all that richness and makes each bite of waffle taste even better. For those extra special mornings, pour a small glass of dry bubbly on the side for a refreshing contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make waffles crispier?

Preheat your waffle maker and grease it beforehand. Don't overmix the batter, and let the waffles stay in until they're a deep golden shade.

→ Can I try this with other cheeses?

For sure! Gouda, Emmental, white cheddar, or Swiss would be delicious options to swap in.

→ What’s the easiest way to poach an egg?

Gently simmer water with a splash of vinegar. Stir to make a small whirlpool, crack an egg into the middle, and let it cook 3-4 minutes until the white is set but yolk is soft.

→ What sides go well with these waffles?

Try a fresh fruit salad, roasted veggies, or even a green side salad for balance.

→ How can I prepare parts of this earlier?

Make the waffles and bechamel ahead of time. When you're ready to eat, warm the waffles in the oven and reheat the sauce on the stove with freshly cooked ham and eggs.