A Croque-Monsieur is simply a yummy grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. Typically, some good quality swiss cheese such as Emmental or Gruyère is recommended.
The name is based on the verb croquer (“to crunch”) and the word monsieur (“mister”). The sandwich’s first recorded appearance on a Parisian café menu was in 1910.
The lady version of a Croque-Monsieur is served with a fried egg or poached egg on top and is known as a Croque-Madame (or in parts of Normandy a Croque-à-cheval). According to the Petit Robert dictionary, the name dates to around 1960. The Croque-Mademoiselle or Miss version is associated with many different sandwiches, from diet recipes to desserts.
Croque Monsieur is the best-grilled cheese with a French twist!
Bon appétit!
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