Southern Belle Croque Madame

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 14
Indulge in the Southern Belle Croque Madame for a savory breakfast or brunch
in Breakfast/Brunch

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter , divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt ( or season to taste )
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper ( or season to taste )
1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg ( eyeball it )
2 teaspoons smooth dijon-style mustard
12 ounces gruyere cheese , grated
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 package of san gennaro pre-cooked prepared polenta
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces apple-wood smoked bacon , pan-fried or broiled ( do not microwave )
5 small eggs or 1 medium egg , fried sunny-side up
2 2 tablespoons chives ( for garnish ) or 2 tablespoons thyme , chopped ( for garnish )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
5
Calories
651
Sugar
2g
Fat
52g
The Southern Belle Croque Madame is a variation of the classic French dish called Croque Madame, which consists of a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top. This version replaces the bread with crispy polenta rounds and uses a cheese sauce made with gruyere cheese and Dijon mustard. The name of the dish refers to the Southern Belle, which is a type of train that used to run between New York and New Orleans in the 1920s. It hints at the Southern-inspired ingredients like the smoked bacon and the use of polenta instead of the traditional bread. Overall, the Southern Belle Croque Madame is a rich and satisfying breakfast that is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special occasion.

Instructions

1.In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2.Add the flour and whisk steadily for 2 minutes until smooth.
3.Gradually whisk in the milk until no lumps remain.
4.Whisk in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard.
5.Cook the sauce for 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened.
6.Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until melted.
7.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
8.Take the prepared polenta, slice into ½ inch rounds, and coat with olive oil. Then place polenta rounds onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until crispy.
9.While the polenta is baking, fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towel.
10.Add 1 tablespoon of butter to another skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggs until sunny-side up.
11.To assemble the croque madame, lay a slice of polenta on a plate and then assemble the sandwich; on top of the polenta place a slice of gruyere cheese, followed by a slice of bacon.
12.Spoon some of the cheese sauce on top.
13.Then add another slice of gruyere cheese, followed by another slice of bacon and some more cheese sauce.
14.Finally, top with the sunny-side up egg.
15.Garnish with chopped chives or thyme.

PROS

The Southern Belle Croque Madame is a flavorful and indulgent twist on a classic breakfast sandwich.

It’s a great option for a special weekend brunch or a decadent breakfast.

The crispy polenta rounds add a fun and unique texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce and savory bacon.

The Dijon mustard provides a nice tanginess and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Plus, the dish is very filling and satisfying, making it an ideal meal to start the day.

CONS

The Southern Belle Croque Madame is not a calorie-conscious or heart-healthy breakfast option.

It is high in fat and cholesterol due to the cheese sauce and bacon.

Additionally, the preparation involves multiple steps and ingredients, which makes it more time-consuming than other breakfast dishes.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While the Southern Belle Croque Madame is not a particularly healthy breakfast, it does offer some nutritional benefits.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like choline and vitamin D.
Some studies suggest that consuming eggs regularly can support healthy weight management and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Meanwhile, polenta is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
The gruyere cheese provides calcium and protein, and the cheese sauce contains some probiotics that can aid in digestive health.

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