“Be Our Guest” Croque Madame

A few days ago I returned from a magnificent trip to Walt Disney World in which we were able to experience the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and our Port Orleans-Riverside Resort hotel.

The rides and attractions were phenomenal, but the variety and caliber of many of the foods there were not to be overlooked. If you’re lucky enough to fit some unique table feasting, quick service delights, and simple park munchies into your schedule and budget you will most likely appreciate the flavors and experience.

As a “foodie” venturing through a world of both International cuisine and a variety of regional-specific American food I was delighted. With delectable smells around every corner, superb customer service, and the urging of others to try “this or that” I was inspired to savor whenever possible. My “taste-testing” did need to be limited due to the trip being more about my daughter than me, which is how it was meant to be. Incorporating Character Dining into our schedule was pleasing to both of us, however, so it worked out well.

I returned from my trip with a handful of foods in mind that I’d like to attempt to recreate. I believe that some foods were overrated (which is not an uncommon phenomenon in Disney), but there are many more outstanding (and even underrated foods) than there are overrated ones! Moreover, I did not even experience one fourth of the remarkable foods that Disney resorts and parks have to offer!

The first recipe I attempted to recreate is the “Croque Madame” from the breakfast menu at “Be Our Guest” Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. I was wary that this restaurant was outrageously popular simply because it intricately and gorgeously replicates the Beast’s castle and not because of the quality of the food. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The Croque Madame I enjoyed was one of the most delicious foods I experienced at Disney World.

Description of Croque Madame from the “Be Our Guest” Menu:

“Open-faced Ham Sandwich topped with a Fried Egg, Gruyere Cheese, and Béchamel”

Bechamel Ingredients:

-1.5 Tbsp Butter

-1/8 Cup Flour

-2 Cups Whole Milk

-1/4 tsp Salt

-1 tsp Onion Powder

Directions for Béchamel:

-Melt Butter over Med-Low Heat

-Add Flour and stir frequently, until the mixture is pale golden and has a subtle nutty scent

-Pour in Milk and whisk constantly, until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Keep whisking to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil.

-Turn heat to low and add Salt and Onion Powder. Simmer gently and stir periodically, until thickened. This should take about 10 minutes. Bechamel should be smooth (not grainy) and thickened when complete.