Description
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!
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
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!
- Place a waffle on a plate.
- Top it with a slice of turkey ham.
- Drizzle some béchamel sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle on a little extra cheddar cheese.
- Add the fried egg on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Repeat for the remaining waffles and serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.
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.