Madame club sandwich

The Madame club sandwich is a variation of the classic club sandwich, which in turn is a multi-layered sandwich, typically American. Here’s how to prepare it with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 3 slices of sandwich bread
• 2 slices of cooked ham
• 2 slices of Emmental cheese or another soft cheese
• 1 egg
• Leaf lettuce, preferably romaine or iceberg
• 1 ripe tomato
• Butter
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Begin by lightly toasting the sandwich bread slices so they are slightly crispy.
2. On one slice of bread, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, if desired.
3. Add a slice of cooked ham and a slice of Emmental cheese.
4. On another slice of bread, place the previously washed and dried lettuce leaves, and add the tomato slices. Season with a little salt and pepper.
5. Stack the slice of bread with lettuce and tomato on top of the one with ham and cheese.
6. Heat a pan and add a bit of butter.
7. When the butter is melted and warm, crack an egg into the pan and cook a sunny-side up, keeping the yolk soft. Season the egg with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Gently place the egg in the center of the sandwich and cover with the third slice of bread.
9. If desired, you can cut the sandwich diagonally and secure the two triangles obtained with a toothpick.
10. Serve your Madame club sandwich immediately, nice and hot.

Curiosity

The name “Madame” in this context is a variant of the Croque Madame, a French sandwich that is essentially a Croque Monsieur (a baked toasted sandwich with ham and cheese) with the addition of a fried or sunny-side up egg on top. The contrast between the hot, crispy sandwich and the softness of the egg yolk makes this a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch.