CROQUE MADAME SANDWICHES

Yummy for a quick but special breakfast.

½ stick unsalted butter, room temperature

16 slices thin white sandwich bread
¼ lb. Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced
½ lb. thinly sliced deli ham
Coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper
8 lg. eggs

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Spread ½ t. butter on each bread slice and place 8 slices, butter side down on a rimmed baking sheet.  Divide cheese and ham evenly among slices, season with salt and pepper, and top with remaining bread slices, butter side up.  Bake until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Meanwhile in a large nonstick skillet melt 2 t. butter over medium heat.  Cook 4 eggs until whites are set and yolks are still runny, about 5 minutes; transfer to a plate and keep warm.  Repeat with remaining butter and eggs.  Top each sandwich with 1 egg.  Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.