Croque monsieur facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Croque monsieur

A croque monsieur
Type	Sandwich
Place of origin	France
Serving temperature	Hot
Main ingredients	Bread, whipped eggs, butter, boiled ham, cheese (typically Gruyère), pepper and salt
Variations	Croque madame

A croque monsieur is a warm, tasty sandwich from France. It's usually made with ham and cheese. This popular snack first appeared in French cafés and bars. It was a quick and easy meal for people on the go. The name "croque monsieur" comes from two French words: croque, which means "crunch," and monsieur, meaning "mister." So, it's like a "crunchy mister" sandwich!

How to Make a Croque Monsieur

Making a croque monsieur is quite simple. First, you take slices of soft white bread, often called pain de mie. Between these slices, you place baked or boiled ham and some sliced cheese. The most common cheese used is Gruyère. But sometimes, people also use Comté or Emmental.

After putting the ham and cheese together, the sandwich is topped with more grated cheese. A little salt and pepper are added for flavor. Then, it's either baked in an oven or fried in a frying pan. This makes the cheese on top melt and form a delicious, crispy crust.

Sometimes, the bread is dipped in beaten egg before cooking. This helps it get extra golden and crunchy when grilled. Some restaurants also add a creamy white sauce called béchamel sauce to their croque monsieur.

Different Kinds of Croque Sandwiches

There are many fun variations of the classic croque monsieur. These different versions often have names that sound similar to the original.

Croque Madame

If you add a poached or lightly fried egg on top of a croque monsieur, it becomes a croque madame. It's like the croque monsieur is wearing a hat! This name has been used since around 1960. In some parts of Normandy, France, it's even called a croque-à-cheval.

Croque Mademoiselle

The croque-mademoiselle is a lighter, vegetarian version. It uses the same bread and melting cheese. But instead of ham, it has fresh ingredients like chives, cucumber, and lettuce.

Other Popular Variations

Different countries and regions have their own versions of this hot ham and cheese sandwich.

In the United Kingdom, a similar hot snack is called a toastie. Special machines called toastie makers are popular for making them at home. In the United States, a Monte Cristo is a well-known ham and cheese sandwich. It's often dipped in egg and fried, and you can find it in diners. Another classic American sandwich is the 'grilled cheese sandwich'. It has been a favorite at home and in cafeterias since the Great Depression.

Here are some other interesting croque variations:

• 

  A croque madame

• 

  A croque provençal

• 

  A croque gagnet

• 

  Portuguese version from Porto, called "Francesinha".

See also

In Spanish: Croque-monsieur para niños