Cheddar Croque Madame Waffles – A Brunch Delight

There’s something magical about a leisurely brunch. It’s that perfect time of day when you can enjoy the best of both breakfast and lunch, all while sipping on a warm cup of coffee or tea. And if you’re looking to elevate your brunch game, these Cheddar Croque Madame Waffles are the ultimate treat.

This dish takes the classic Croque Madame—a beloved French sandwich traditionally made with ham, cheese, and a fried egg—and gives it an irresistible twist by swapping the bread for crispy cheddar waffles. The combination of crunchy waffles, gooey melted cheese, savory turkey ham, and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce makes every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, making waffles instead of using bread adds a fun and creative spin on a timeless classic. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique Twist on a French Classic – The traditional Croque Madame gets an upgrade with crispy, cheesy waffles that add even more flavor and texture.
• Perfect for Brunch – This dish is elegant yet easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a weekend brunch with family and friends.
• Rich, Comforting Flavors – From the creamy béchamel sauce to the melty cheddar cheese and the perfectly fried egg, every component comes together to create a dish that’s pure comfort.
• Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings to make this dish your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Waffles:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Toppings:

• 6 slices turkey ham
• 6 eggs
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Cheddar Croque Madame Waffles

Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Batter

Start by preheating your waffle iron so it’s ready to go once your batter is mixed. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and melted butter until well combined.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are okay! Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the waffles as they cook, adding a rich, savory flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Waffles

Lightly grease your waffle iron and pour in about ½ cup of batter per waffle, depending on your waffle maker’s size. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Once done, place the waffles on a baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Once thickened, stir in the salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Turkey Ham and Eggs

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey ham slices for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned and heated through. Set aside.

In the same skillet, add a little butter or oil and fry the eggs to your preferred doneness. A classic Croque Madame features a runny yolk, but you can cook the eggs longer if you prefer them firmer.

Step 5: Assemble the Croque Madame Waffles

Now for the fun part—assembling your masterpiece!

1. Place a waffle on a plate.
2. Top it with a slice of turkey ham.
3. Drizzle some béchamel sauce over the top.
4. Sprinkle on a little extra cheddar cheese.
5. Add the fried egg on top.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Repeat for the remaining waffles and serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Waffles – You can prepare the waffles in advance and reheat them in a toaster or oven to maintain their crispiness.
• Extra Crispy Waffles – For even crispier waffles, let them cool slightly on a wire rack instead of stacking them.
• Adjust the Béchamel Consistency – If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk and whisk until smooth. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer to thicken.
• Egg Cooking Preference – If you don’t like runny yolks, cook the eggs sunny-side up for a soft center or flip them for a fully cooked yolk.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Stovetop, Waffle Iron
• Cuisine: French-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

Notes

• If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can use thick slices of toasted bread instead for a more traditional Croque Madame experience.
• Feel free to swap cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Without a Waffle Iron?

Yes! If you don’t have a waffle maker, you can use thick slices of toast instead. Toasted sourdough or brioche would work beautifully with the béchamel sauce and toppings.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness. The béchamel sauce can be refrigerated separately and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Can I Freeze the Waffles?

Absolutely! Let the waffles cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven before serving.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Cheddar Croque Madame Waffles, you might also enjoy:

• Boston Cream Pie Cookies: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic Dessert
• Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
• Red Velvet Marble Waffles

Conclusion

These Cheddar Croque Madame Waffles are everything you could want in a brunch dish—crispy, cheesy, creamy, and topped with a perfectly fried egg. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

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