Crispy Kale BLT Croque Madame with Smoked Gouda + Avocado

Step 1

Preheat the evon to 400 degrees.

Step 2

Line a baking sheet with foil and place the bacon in a single layer on the foil. Bake in the oven for 15- 20 minutes or until crispy, rotating the pan half way through. At the same time cook the kale. Place kale in a large bowl and massage with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 10 minutes. Toss well and roast for 5 minutes more, until slightly crispy but not golden.

Step 3

While those cook start the roux. In a small sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for one minutes. Slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and add the nutmeg, salt and pepper, Cook 1 or 2 minutes and then remove from the heat and add 1/2 cup of the shredded gouda cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4

Butter the outside of 4 slices of rye bread. One the inside of all 4 slices of bread spread 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese sauce, leaving about 2 tablespoons for topping each sandwich. Add the tomatoes on top of the cheese sauce.

Step 5

When the kale and bacon are ready remove from the oven and add half of both the bacon and kale to one side of each sandwich. Sandwich the halves together.

Step 6

Preheat the broiler to high.

Step 7

Heat a medium size skillet over medium high heat. Melt a tablespoon of butter and place both sandwiches in the skillet, cook for 2 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Remove from the skillet and top each sandwich with the remaining cheese sauce and shredded cheese. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 30 seconds to melt the cheese. (This is when I cooked my eggs)

Step 8

Remove from the oven and top with 2-3 slices of avocado and an egg. EAT!