Sometimes, turkey is added to the ham and cheese filling, and it may be served with a side of sweet, fruity jam. For more ...

Spread each slice with Mornay Sauce, top with ham and shredded cheese. Top with remaining slices of bread, butter side up. Bake until cheese is melted and browned, 12-15 minutes.

The French-style croque madame sandwich is a lesson in extravagance. It combines white bread, butter, cheese, ham, cheese sauce, and a fried egg to create a deeply comforting yet simple dish.

CHICAGO He says he's found the ultimate Croque Madame. In France, the Croque Monsieur is simply a ham and cheese. But a Croque Madame has the addition of a fried egg, and it's rare in Chicago ...

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small saucepan over medium until foamy. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, until light golden, about 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Divide ham among four of the slices, trimming it if necessary so it is within 1/4 inch of edges. Top all eight slices with equal amounts of cheese, spreading it evenly to within 1/4 inch of edges. 4.

Whisking constantly, add the warm milk in a steady stream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.