Croque-Monsieur
"The croque-monsieur is France's ultimate comfort food: a hot sandwich made with ham and Gruyère cheese between toasted bread, topped with béchamel sauce and more grated cheese, then grilled until bubbling and golden. It's rich, gooey, and decadent. Add a fried egg on top to make it a 'croque-madame.' Served in cafés and bistros as a lunch or casual dinner. Eaten with a knife and fork, not hands."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Comforting, cheesy
Duration
30 minutes
Best For
Lunch
The Backstory
Invented in Paris cafés in 1910 as a quick hot sandwich. The name means 'mister crunch.' The croque-madame (with egg) was added later as the 'female' version. It became a café staple throughout the 1900s. Despite its simplicity, making a proper croque-monsieur requires technique—the béchamel must be smooth, the cheese properly melted. It's now quintessential French café food.
Local Secret
"Order at cafés or bistros for lunch (€10-15). Good versions are made to order, not pre-made and reheated. The béchamel should be creamy, not gummy. The cheese should be properly melted and slightly browned on top. Croque-madame (with egg) is the superior version—the runny yolk enriches the sandwich. Eat with a green salad (included). Pair with white wine or beer. It's heavy, so don't order it in summer heat."