From the Chef’s Kitchen: Savory Croque Madame

Erickson Senior Living community dining programs are staffed by highly-qualified, trained culinary professionals who develop delicious, healthy options. Each meal is fresh and made-to-order, allowing you to customize each dining experience!

Check out this dish created by experienced Tallgrass Creek employee, Michael Futris. Chef Futris has traveled to more than 30 countries and opened nearly 80 restaurants.

Savory Croque Madame

This traditional French dish is an exquisite blend of rich flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Sausage gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ¼ cup sausage cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chicken base
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Sandwich:

• 2 slices bread
• 4 oz ham
• 4 slices Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 oz sausage gravy
• Single egg, sunny-side up

Directions

Sausage gravy:

• Place butter in a sauce pan and melt
• Add flour and cooked crumbled sausage to pan, mixing well to form a paste
• Add cream and milk, mix well, then turn on high and bring to a boil while stirring with a whisk
• Reduce to simmer, whisking often until thickened
• Add salt, pepper, and chicken base
• Add cheese, melt into mixture

Sandwich:

• Butter bread; cook both pieces, butter side down, in a sauté pan
• Add two slices of cheese to each slice of bread
• Heat ham in same sauté pan and add to one slice of bread
• Place pieces of bread together and cook until golden brown on both sides
• Cook a single egg, sunny-side up
• Place sandwich on a plate, top with 3 ounces of sausage gravy, then top with the egg