When I first began cooking back in high school, egg sandwiches quickly became my “go to” dish. I would make them for breakfast, lunch, even dinner. For beginner cooks, eggs are the perfect place to start, and for those with a little more experience, they possess infinite possibilities. Poached. Fried. Scrambled. Nestled atop sumptuous noodles…etc. However, there is something I adore about layering one between two slices of toasted, buttery bread, allowing the yolk create a delicious golden sauce so good you want to use the last bread bits to mop every last drop. This Croque Madomoiselle is my answer to the perfect egg sandwich. While the Croque-Madam (ham, cheese, and egg) is a step up from the Croque- Monsieur (ham and cheese), I wanted to sophisticate (and healthify) it just a bit more. Lightly grilled, smothered with fresh basil pesto, this sandwich transports me back to France and Italy, (and thankfully not high school! 😉 ) all in one bite.
- 1 teaspoon + 1 Tablespoon butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 2 slices fresh bread, preferably sourdough
- 1 egg
- 1 slice swiss or provolone cheese
- 2-3 slices smoked ham
- a few pieces salami or prosciutto
- 2 teaspoons basil pesto
- salt and pepper
- Heat 1 teaspoon oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry egg until white is opaque. Salt and pepper, then quickly top with cheese slice until slightly melty. Set aside on paper towel.
- Spread pesto on both slices of bread. With remaining (1 Tablespoon) butter/oil, toast bread over medium heat. Remove from heat.
- Add ham and salami/prosciutto and egg to one slice of bread. Press another slice over it, cut in half, and serve fresh.
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed well
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice plus 1 tsp zest
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1½ ounces)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- pinch of sugar
- Whir all ingredients (besides oil) togethr in food processor. Pulsing, slowly drizzle in oil until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.
- *Can also be done in blender, but put all ingredients in together before blending.
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