This French-style croque madame recipe transforms a humble ham and cheese sandwich into its fanciest self with just a few ingredients. Although this iconic sandwich has the exact makings of any ordinary sandwich — white bread, butter, ham, and cheese — a rich, creamy Mornay sauce (a classic béchamel sauce) and a heaping layer of broiled, melted Gruyère cheese take things up a notch. Meanwhile, a fried egg with a runny yolk crowns the sandwich for an elegant finishing touch.

For an extra pop of tang to cut through the richness of the melted Gruyère, serve the sandwiches with cornichons to snack on between bites or a lightly dressed green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette to complement the opulent sandwiches.