Croque-monsieur

Croque-monsieur is a baked or fried sandwich made from bread, ham, and cheese, originating from France. The name "Croque-monsieur" translates to "Mister Crunch" in English, reflecting the sandwich's crispy texture when prepared correctly.

History

The Croque-monsieur first appeared on Parisian café menus in the early 20th century. The sandwich's name is believed to have been derived from the verb "croquer" (to crunch) and the word "monsieur" (mister). The first written reference to the Croque-monsieur was in volume two of Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time in 1918.

Preparation

The Croque-monsieur is traditionally made with boiled ham between slices of brioche-like pain de mie topped with grated cheese and slightly salted and peppered, which is baked in an oven or fried in a frying pan. The sandwich can also be made in a sandwich toaster, which allows the cheese to melt and gives the sandwich its distinctive crispy texture.

Variations of the Croque-monsieur can include the addition of ingredients such as tomato, blue cheese, smoked ham, or pineapple. One popular variation is the Croque-madame, which includes a fried egg on top.

Cultural Significance

The Croque-monsieur is a staple of French café culture. It is often served with a side of French fries or a green salad. The sandwich has also been featured in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and books, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.

See Also

• Croque-madame
• French cuisine
• Sandwich
• Café culture