Le 'Croc' Madame
15 min prep ~ 15 min cook Serves 4
Inspired by the French classic grilled cheese, ours is made even tastier with sweet Hawaiian bread, smoked ham and sharp cheddar.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices Hawaiian bread or brioche, crusts removed
- ½ stick 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup 2% or whole milk
- 7 oz shredded Old Croc Extra Sharp Cheddar divided
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon white ground pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt or more if desired
- 8 oz sliced smoked ham
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
- 1/4 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place bread slices over a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan; add flour and whisk for 1 minute (do not let flour brown); slowly add milk whisking continually till creamy; add 1 cup shredded Old Croc cheese, nutmeg, pepper and salt; stir till well-combined; set aside.
- In a heavy oven proof skillet (or cast iron skillet) melt 1 Tbsp butter; place 4 slices toasted bread over butter; top each bread slice with 1 Tbsp cheese sauce; 2 oz ham, 1/4 cup Old Croc shredded cheese, 1 Tbsp cheese sauce; top with remaining toasted bread slices; spread remaining cheese sauce evenly among bread tops; bake for 5-10 min or till slightly golden and bubbly.
- Meanwhile, fry eggs in remaining butter and oil; place one egg over each baked sandwich; season with salt if desired; sprinkle with smoked paprika and parsley. Enjoy!