Sweet Potato, Smoked Turkey, and Cranberry Croque Madame
Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are infused with roasted sweet potato and layered with smoky turkey and a simple cranberry compote. Cheesy aged cheddar mornay sauce and a fried egg provide an American twist on the classic French croque madame.
Can a month have already gone by? Really? That was too stinkin’ fast.
But yet here we are, the 29th of October and time for another installment of Mystery Dish!
I’m so happy to be posting another recipe along with all of my Mystery Dish peeps. Even though it’s only the second month, I already feel like I’ve formed some amazing friendships because of this group.
But maybe you don’t know about Mystery Dish…? Well, it’s a simple idea. Basically, somebody gives all 11 bloggers the same short list of ingredients, and we each make up our own recipe using as many of those ingredients as we can. It’s so much fun!
Last month, I used apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, and bacon.
- Sweet Potato
- Kale
- Squash (any kind, including pumpkin)
- Nutmeg
- Venison
- Turkey
- Cranberries
- Caramel
- Candy Corn
…which I have to admit, was a little daunting for me, for some reason. Sooooooo….
I ended up going the savory route.
Although it is still baking.
- Sweet Potato
- Nutmeg
- Turkey
- Cranberries
This idea originated with my husband. Once again! Being married to a foodie has it’s benefits! He is a lover of all things southern and soul food-y. Even though he is thoroughly Philadelphia, through and through. It’s like an existential foodie crisis.
He’s a huge fan of a fluffy buttermilk biscuit with salty country ham. When he saw the Mystery Dish ingredients list for October he got stars in his eyes, and visions of sweet potato biscuits danced in his head!
I subbed in smoked turkey for the country ham, and my favorite quick cranberry preserve rounds out the flavors.
He was a happy Philadelphia soul-foodie.
He liked it just like that, pure and simple, but I just can’t resist gilding the lily…
I added an aged cheddar sauce mornay and a fried egg, for an American twist on the classic croque madame.
It’s just so photogenic this way! I’m sorry, it’s all about the visual for me.  😉
Can you even get over the gorgeous color on that drippy yolk???
And honestly, I do think the flavor profile is pretty fab. That sharp and tangy aged cheddar sauce compliments the smoky turkey and tart cranberry so well, keeps everything super moist, and transforms the whole business into a really hearty, soul-satisfying, knife and fork kinda meal.
Side note: I’ve made a lot of biscuits in my day, especially for a Yankee, and I don’t claim to be any kind of expert, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to keep everything cold, and don’t overwork it:
1. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream2. Roasted Acorn Squash with Cranberries, Almonds, and Brown Sugar3. Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup4. Pumpkin Magic Bars5. Pumpkin Pie Cake6. Sweet Potato, Smoked Turkey, and Cranberry Croque Madame7. Caramel Candy Corn Poke Cake8. Roasted Butternut Squash Pizza with Kale and Ricotta9. Sweet Potato Cranberry Quick Bread10. Venison with Sweet Potato Hash & Fried Egg11. Orange Cranberry Bread12. Sweet Potato Pie with Cranberry Compote
Aren’t they all so talented? I really hope you check out their blog posts too, because they are such a super fun and sweet group of ladies (and one gent!).
And you can follow along, throughout the year, on Twitter with #mysterydish, or on our Mystery Dish group Pinterest board.
PS- A great big thank you goes out to Nora of Buttercream Fanatic for hosting this month’s Mystery Dish.  Love ya, girl.  😉
I also want to take a second to thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart, for all the support and encouragement you have offered me over the last week, as I was recuperating from my surgery. I’m so happy to be doing so much better now, and SO happy to report that my pathology came back normal and BENIGN! Hallelujah.
I remember when I first started reading blogs and every now and then someone would talk about the emotional support and sense of community they found in blogging. At first I couldn’t understand what they were talking about, but, you guys. I totally get it now. I’ve felt such a tremendous outpouring of encouragement, kindness, and generosity from so many of you. People on the other side of the world (I’m looking in your direction, Tania) reached out to me and shared their own personal stories. I felt so much less alone, and so lifted up and cared for through your prayers, well wishes, and warm thoughts. I’m seriously tearing up as I’m typing this. Never before in my life have I ever experienced anything like this and I cannot thank you enough.
I usually make it a big priority to answer every comment I get on this blog, and last week I was not able to do so. But please know, that I read every single one of your comments, and they are so deeply treasured in my heart. <3
I’m still not quite 100%, and I’m behind on everything, but I’m so glad to be back on my feet, in the kitchen, and blogging at ya!  Posts may be a little slow coming this week, so thanks in advance for hanging in there with me, guys.  🙂
Ok, that’s enough mushy stuff. Now here’s your recipe!
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Sweet Potato, Smoked Turkey, and Cranberry Croque Madame
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Compote:
- 12 ounces (340.2 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (236.59 ml) water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (236.59 ml) milk, (I used 1%)
- 1/2 cup (56.5 g) shredded aged cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Additionally:
- 8 (1 batch) sweet potato biscuits
- 1 pound (453.59 g) of smoked turkey meat, sliced thinly
- 8 eggs, fried
Instructions
Make the Cranberry Compote:
- Place the cranberries, water, and sugar in a medium pot and bring to boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cool completely.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a small pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat, then sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Allow to cook for a minute or so.
- Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cheese, a little at a time, allowing it to melt smoothly before each addition.
- Stir in the mustard powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Split the biscuits and top with cranberry compote.
- Layer on a few slices of smoked turkey, and sandwich.
- Spoon a little (warm) cheese sauce on the plate, and place the biscuit sandwich on top.
- Top with a fried egg, and enjoy!
You had me at sweet potato biscuits! Then, the smoked turkey, the egg, the sauce?!?!?! Really! This may have to be on the menu for our special Christmas breakfast. The hubby loves soul food, kids love eggs & I’m sure the cranberry compote will be a hit for them! Me? Well I fell in love with the picture and live for sweet potatoes, ok maybe not live for but pretty close! Glad you’re back & feeling good
Hi Grace! I’m so happy you liked the post so much! I had a lot of fun dreaming up that recipe… I think you and your family will love those biscuits. Even by themselves they are soooo good! I hope you and your beautiful family enjoy this special Christmas breakfast. It warms my heart just thinking about that… 😉
This dish looks amazing! I love the sound of the sweet potato biscuits especially. Pinning!
Thanks so much for sharing with your Pinterest followers, Marcie! The sweet potato biscuits were easy to make and they came out really great. Even just buttered they are amazing!
Those biscuits and the sandwiches look amazing Allie!!
Thanks Lisa! They were super yummy! Hope you’re having a great weekend…
Allie, this is one fancy sandwich. I LOVE IT!! It has everything I want in a brunch. Recipe is pinned and I can’t wait to try it! My husband’s favorite meal is breakfast, so I’m always looking for creative recipes for him. 🙂
Thanks Meghan! It is kinda fancy, isn’t it? I’m a sucker for fancy food, lol! This is the kind of breakfast you can have for dinner too. Love breakfast for dinner! Thanks so much for reading and for the sweet comment! <3
Welcome back Allie!:) I am so happy to hear that the surgery went well and the pathology report came back normal and benign! Such wonderful news to hear 🙂
These biscuits look and sound fabulous! Love how creative you got with the ingredients you were given. Anyone getting to see this dish on their breakfast or brunch plate wouldn’t be able to stop smiling for the entire day 🙂
Thank you, Kelly! I had fun brainstorming ideas with that list of ingredients. Thanks so much for the kind words and for all the support during my recovery. You are such a sweetheart!
You go all out! I love this dish, so creative! I cannot wait to make this, definitely going to have to host a fancy brunch or something 🙂 Pinning!!
It’d be perfect for brunch! A little fussy, I know, but I love that sort of thing. Thanks for reading, Kat, and for the sweet comment!
Allie, you’re going to give me a food blogger’s complex soon because of how amateur my blog looks compared to yours. I’m blown away by how amazing your photos are, how fabulous the styling is, and how scrumptious your dishes are. I love everything about your unique and delicious croque madame. I could eat ten of these in one sitting!
No way, Nancy! Your blog is amazing! I’m just trying to keep up with you, girl. Those chocolate olive oil cakes drowned in salted caramel are still on my mind…
Ahhhh where to start with this!?!?! First, I never would have believed in a million years that you were daunted by the ingredient list. Your dish is an absolute masterpiece! The biscuits on their own just shot up my to-make list. Those look so incredibly moist and fluffy and tall and soft and ahhhggghhhh I can’t even take it. Second, a croque madame!? You seriously brought it this month, my friend! I haven’t had one of these in a zillion years, let alone such a gourmet version! And finally – anything topped with a perfectly runny egg like this is just a one way ticket to taste bud heaven!! I bow down to the master. 🙂
This recipe looks so good….I want some of it right now! So happy that you received awesome news and that you’re recovering well! 🙂
Thanks Liz! It was a huge relief, now I just have to get back into the swing of things! xoxo
I am so glad you are feeling better. It’s amazing how people can come together and hep during times like this :). These biscuits are just making my mouth watering. Since this morning when I read this post, they’ve been on the mind. I love how you used the ingredients and that Mr Allie helped! He is a true foodie 🙂
He so is! He loves food and especially sweet potato biscuits! And yes, everyone has been so super supportive, including you! Thank you so much for being such a good friend, and for your concern and sweet emails <3
I’m so happy that you’re feeling better now! I had miss you and your lovely recipes. This one looks amazing, I love the cranberry/turkey combo, and those biscuits look delish to me, yum! x
I’m so happy to be back, Consuelo! It feels good to be back at it. Thanks so much for reading, dear, and for the kind words <3
Wow Allie this looks amazing! Great pictures! Love how creative this is. Totally going to have to give it a try! Pinning and sharing!
Thank you so much, Krista! For pinning and for the sweet compliment! 😉
So glad to hear you’re doing better! I love what you put together this month- it’s super fancy! You just gotta make us all look bad, don’t ya 😛
No way I could make you guys look bad, you’re all so talented! I’m just trying to keep up with ya! 😉
Mr. Allie sounds like he’d get along great with my Hubby 😉 Soul-foodies meant to be united through food blogs. I love how creative this is, we would’ve NEVER thought of it and we live in the South! Methinks Hubby is going to have to make these next time we have local friends come over just to show off 😉 And then we can say a Yankee came up with it (then hide under the bed so they don’t hurt us!).
Ha ha, hope I don’t offend any true Southerners with this one! Or French people for that matter! Thanks again for bringing the group together, it’s sure a lot of fun, Dani!
I LOVE biscuits, and sweet potato biscuits are even better. And then piled high with delicious sandwich fixings – what a perfect fall sandwich! Thanks for letting me be a part of your Mystery Dish group this month!
I’m so happy you could join us, Cate! And thanks so much for stopping by to say hi and introduce yourself! You’re such a sweetie 🙂
Allie…..Your emails are on my laptop as I am having coffee in the mornings…..and I love it! This sweet potato biscuit with the cranberry and turkey and that EGG on top, yummy…..I wish I was at your house or the food was on my desk…one or the other!!
You have outdone yourself with the mystery ingredients….and your dish is my favorite! You are truly a talent!! I am so impressed!
I can “hear” you in your blogs….you write so well!
You are adorable and my days start off fun with your emails!! CK
Wow, Christina, that is all so great to hear! You gave me one smile after another with this sweet comment. Thank you so much for making my day! <3
Great idea for the ingredients you chose! I look forward to trying several of the recipes!
Thanks, Donna! I have to admit I wasn’t quite sure where to begin at first… I’m so glad you liked though! Hope you’re having a great week 😀