Croque Madame Waffles Recipe is such a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich, turning it into a crispy, cheesy waffle that's perfect any time you want a cozy, comforting meal with a gourmet feel. Imagine biting into warm, crisp-on-the-outside waffles loaded with savory ham and melting Gruyere cheese, topped with creamy béchamel sauce and a luscious fried or poached egg on top. It’s a total crowd-pleaser for brunch, a fancy weekend breakfast, or even a fun, elevated dinner. If you love a mix of crispy textures and creamy indulgence, you’re going to adore this recipe!
Jump to:
What Makes This So Good
This Croque Madame Waffles Recipe turns the classic sandwiches we all love into a crispy, tender waffle form that’s layered with rich flavors. The combination of nutty Gruyere, smoky ham, and a velvety béchamel sauce mimics the traditional dish while giving you that fun waffle texture. It’s indulgently creamy yet satisfying with every bite.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You’re combining classic French flavors with the simplicity of a waffle batter for quick, impressive results.
- Family-Friendly: Kids adore waffles, and adults will appreciate the grown-up flavors of cheese and ham in this dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything comes from everyday pantry staples, plus that special touch of Dijon mustard in the sauce.
- Works Any Night: Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a weekend treat, this recipe fits beautifully into your meal plans.
Ingredient Guide
Picking the right ingredients here makes all the difference. Since the recipe highlights classic and simple flavors, each component deserves a bit of care—from choosing your ham to preparing the béchamel just right.
- Gruyere Cheese: Opt for real Gruyere if you can — it melts beautifully and brings that nutty, slightly sweet complexity that’s key to authentic flavor.
- Ham: Thinly shaved ham works best for even layering and texture — avoid overly processed or watery ham to keep the waffles crisp.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the béchamel to control salt levels; it also adds a rich, creamy base for your sauce.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, balancing structure in waffles and thickening the béchamel sauce evenly.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch gives the béchamel a subtle tang that perks up each bite — not overpowering, but definitely essential.
- Eggs: Choose fresh eggs for that beautiful yolk runniness once plated on top — this elevates the dish and adds extra creaminess.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Croque Madame Waffles Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by gathering your ingredients so nothing’s overwhelming later. Melt your butter carefully on medium-low heat to make the béchamel sauce, whisking in the flour and cooking just long enough to take that raw flour taste away. Have your milk handy to add slowly — whisk continuously to avoid any lumps. For the waffles, preheat your waffle iron and prep the dry ingredients with flour, baking powder, and just a pinch of salt. Dice your shaved ham if it’s not already small pieces, and shred that Gruyere cheese fresh for best melt and texture.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Once your béchamel thickens nicely and coats the spoon’s back, remove it from heat and stir in Dijon mustard—this is where the sauce really gets its personality. For the waffle batter, gently fold in the ham and shredded cheese after mixing the wet and dry ingredients to keep the batter tender and flavorful. Grease your waffle maker well, then pour about ¾ cup of batter per waffle. You’ll notice when they’re done by a golden brown color and the terrific crispy edges that form. The kitchen fills with that warm, cheesy aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Place your freshly made waffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Spoon the béchamel sauce generously over each waffle – about a sixth of the sauce per waffle does the trick. Layer with slices of shaved ham and a sprinkle of Gruyere cheese for that lovely melt on top. Pop these under your broiler just until the cheese bubbles and the béchamel is warmed through – keep a close eye as this happens quickly! Finally, top each waffle with a perfectly cooked egg (fried or poached, just the way you like it) and finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives if you want an easy fresh touch. Now, dive in and savor the creamy, crispy goodness together.
Extra Helpful Tips
I’ve learned that the key to a stellar Croque Madame Waffles Recipe lies in the timing, seasoning, and watching your textures carefully. You’ll want the waffles to be crisp but tender inside, and the béchamel sauce should never scorch—keep that stirring constant and the heat gentle. These little attentions make all the difference between good and wow!
- Watch for This Sign: When your waffles have a deep golden brown shade and a crisp edge, that’s your cue to stop cooking.
- Temperature Trick: Keep your broiler on medium-high and watch closely to melt cheese perfectly without drying the sauce or waffle.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can make the béchamel sauce and waffle batter a day before—just keep chilled and assemble fresh before broiling.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t overmix the waffle batter—stir until just combined to keep them nice and fluffy.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Add a little fresh pepper over the eggs for a subtle heat, or throw in some finely chopped herbs like thyme or tarragon into your béchamel for an herbal boost. A dash of smoked paprika or a few grinds of nutmeg in the sauce can also add unexpected warmth that you'll enjoy. For an extra indulgent finish, drizzle a little truffle oil over the top right before serving.
Tasty Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette — it cuts through the richness beautifully. For drinks, a crisp glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with lemon works well if it’s brunch. If you’re aiming for a cozy breakfast, a nice cup of coffee or a fresh mimosa will complement the meal perfectly.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve your Croque Madame waffles on bright white plates to let the golden colors pop, then sprinkle chopped chives or a few fresh greens on top for contrast. A lightly dusted crack of black pepper and a small wedge of lemon on the side can add an eye-catching flourish fast. Keep napkins handy – this one’s deliciously messy in the best way!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can store any leftover Croque Madame waffles covered tightly in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Keep in mind, the waffles might lose a bit of their crispness but will still taste delicious warmed up—perfect for a quick next-day meal.
Freezer Friendly?
These waffles do freeze well! Separate them with parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge if possible to minimize sogginess — skipping the béchamel and fresh eggs until reheating helps maintain texture.
Reheat Like New
To reheat, I recommend popping the waffles in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until crisp and heated through. If you add béchamel or eggs, do so fresh after reheating to keep the textures perfect. A quick skillet reheat works too but watch to prevent burning.
Croque Madame Waffles Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Emmental or even a good-quality Swiss cheese can make fine substitutes, but Gruyere’s unique nuttiness is what really captures that classic Croque Madame flavor.
Can I make the waffles gluten-free?
You can try substituting all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Texture may vary slightly, but it’s a great option if you need to go gluten-free.
Each waffle will take about 4-5 minutes in a preheated waffle iron, depending on your model. Look for golden brown color and crispy edges as your guide.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I love how this Croque Madame Waffles Recipe wraps up all the best things about a classic French dish into something a bit unexpected but totally satisfying. When you try it, definitely leave a star rating or drop a comment sharing how you tweaked it to make it your own — maybe a touch of spice or a new cheese combo? Either way, it’s one I keep coming back to when craving that comforting, cheesy hug in waffle form.
Print📖 Recipe
Croque Madame Waffles Recipe
This Croque Madame Waffles recipe reimagines the classic French sandwich by combining fluffy savory waffles with creamy béchamel sauce, layers of shaved ham, melted Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly cooked egg on top. The dish is finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese topping, making for an indulgent brunch or lunch option that marries comforting flavors with a fun waffle twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Sauce
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 4 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Waffles
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup shaved ham, diced
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Assembly
- 18-24 slices shaved ham
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 6 eggs, poached or fried to desired doneness
- Chives, chopped, for serving (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently, taking care not to brown it. Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the waffle batter: Preheat your waffle maker. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the lightly beaten eggs, milk, and melted butter and mix until just combined. Fold in the diced ham and shredded Gruyère cheese gently.
- Cook the waffles: Grease the waffle maker lightly. Pour about ¾ cup of batter onto the surface, close the lid, and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble the Croque Madame waffles: Place the cooked waffles on a parchment or silicone mat–lined baking tray. Spoon about one-sixth of the béchamel sauce onto each waffle. Layer 3 to 4 slices of shaved ham on top, then sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Broil for finishing: Place the assembled waffles under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the béchamel sauce is hot and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Add the eggs and garnish: Transfer the finished waffles to serving plates. Top each with a poached or fried egg cooked to your preferred doneness. Sprinkle with chopped chives, and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Gruyère for the best melt and flavor.
- The béchamel sauce can be prepared ahead and kept warm or reheated gently before assembling.
- Poached eggs add a classic touch, but fried eggs work perfectly as well.
- Adjust the thickness of the béchamel by cooking it longer if needed; it should be thick enough to hold on the waffle.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crispness of the waffles and the runniness of the egg yolk.
Leave a Reply