Table of Contents
Whether you order a Croque Monsieur or Madame at a restaurant, you can’t go wrong. The Croque Monsieur is made with ham and cheese, while the Madame is made with Gruyère cheese and a fried egg on top.
So which one should you order? What’s the difference between a Croque Monsieur vs Madame? And, more importantly, which is better? This might be the most hotly contested debate since ketchup on French fries. Read on to find out who comes out victorious…
What Does Croque Mean?
The word ‘Croque’ comes from the French verb “croquer”, which means ‘to bite’. This is a fitting name for the Croque Monsieur and Madame, as both sandwiches are savory and satisfying bites of deliciousness.
The word “Croque” in French also goes for “crunch”. It’s often used to describe a dish that’s crispy or crunchy, like a Croque Monsieur (a grilled cheese sandwich with ham) or Croque Madame (a grilled cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top).
The word can also be used more broadly to describe anything that’s crispy or crunchy. For example, you might say that your croissant was extra flaky and had a great croque. Or you might compliment someone on their well-pressed shirt, saying it has a nice croque.
So next time you’re enjoying something crispy or crunchy, think of the word croque. It’s the perfect way to describe the satisfying sound and feel of taking a bite.
Croque Monsieur Vs Croque Madame: What Are They?
The Croque Monsieur and Madame are two varieties of open-faced toasted sandwiches. The Croque Monsieur is traditionally made with ham, Gruyère cheese, Dijon mustard, and béchamel sauce, while the Madame is topped with a fried egg.
Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are two of the most popular dishes in French cuisine. Both are made with bread, cheese, and ham, but there is one key difference between them. Croque Monsieur is a sandwich that is grilled and served with a sauce, while Croque Madame is a sandwich that is topped with a fried egg.
As a result, Croque Madame is often seen as a more indulgent dish than Croque Monsieur. Whether you prefer Croque Monsieur vs Madame, these sandwiches make an excellent lunch or dinner option. They can be served plain or with a variety of toppings, making them highly versatile.
Croque Monsieur vs Madame (By iStockphoto)
Which Is Better: The Croque Monsieur vs Madame?
While the two sandwiches may look similar, they each have their own unique flavors. The Croque Monsieur is a slightly salty and savory meal that’s perfect for lunch or brunch. Meanwhile, the Madame is rich, creamy, and filling – making it a great option for dinner or as an indulgent snack.
In the end, it really comes down to your personal tastes. The Croque Monsieur is a classic sandwich that’s perfect for anyone looking for a simple and satisfying lunch or snack. However, if you want something more indulgent and decadent, the Croque Madame is sure to delight!
Different Between Croque Monsieur Vs Croque Madame?
At a restaurant, you might be faced with the choice of ordering a Croque Monsieur vs Madame. Both are delicious sandwiches made with ham and cheese, but there is one key difference – the Croque Madame is topped with a fried egg, while the Monsieur is not.
Which sandwich you choose depends on your personal tastes and preferences. Some people prefer the simplicity of the Croque Monsieur, while others find the fried egg on the Madame to be a more indulgent and decadent treat.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re in the mood for – so why not order both and share with a friend? You will have an excuse to savor both of these tasty sandwiches!
>> You might also like:
History
The exact origins of the Croque Monsieur sandwich are unknown, but it is believed to have been created in French cafes at the beginning of the 1900s.
While its precise history remains unclear, the Croque Monsieur has become one of France’s most popular sandwiches and is a staple on cafe menus throughout the country. It is often served with a simple green salad or pomme frites for a complete meal.
In the case of Croque Madame, the exact origins of it are also unknown, but it is believed to have been developed in Parisian cafes during the 1920s. Some say that a waiter accidentally dropped an egg on top of a customer’s open-faced sandwich, leading him to serve it with a fried egg from then on.
Today, the Croque Monsieur is enjoyed around the world and features in many variations of the original recipe. Most restaurants serve it as an open-faced sandwich that is topped with béchamel sauce – though some also add ham, chicken, or other toppings.
Similarly, the Croque Madame is a popular dish in French cuisine and has inspired many variations. It is typically served as a warm open-faced sandwich that is topped with béchamel sauce and a fried egg. While its exact origins remain unclear, it is now considered to be one of France’s most iconic dishes – and can be found on the menus of cafes and restaurants.
Regardless of the variation, both of these two delicious sandwiches are a must-try for any fan of French cuisine!
Croque Monsieur vs Madame (By iStockphoto)
Pronunciation of Croque Monsieur and Madame
The pronunciation of Croque Monsieur is “krohk muhn-SYUHR”, with an emphasis on the first syllable. The pronunciation of Croque Madame is “krohk mah-DAME”, with an emphasis on the second syllable. Both sandwiches are typically pronounced using a French accent, with an emphasis on the final syllable of each sandwich name.
Whether ordering in a restaurant or making it at home, it is important to get the pronunciation right in order to fully enjoy this classic French dish.
How To Make Croque Monsieur Vs Madame?
There are many different ways to make a Croque Monsieur vs Madame. Some prefer the simplicity of classic ham and cheese, while others like to experiment with different toppings and sauces. Here is one simple recipe that you can use to make your own Croque Monsieur vs Madame at home:
Croque Monsieur Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of crusty French bread
- 1 Tbsp butter, softened
- 3 oz thinly sliced ham
- 3 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1/4 cup béchamel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spread a generous amount of butter on each slice of bread.
- Arrange the ham slices and Gruyère cheese on top of four slices of bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with remaining slices of bread to make four sandwiches.
- If desired, spread béchamel sauce on the top slice of each sandwich.
- Lightly press down on the sandwiches to help the bread stick together, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or other toppings of your choice.
Croque Monsieur vs Madame (By iStockphoto)
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 350
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 40g
- Protein 19g
- Fiber 2g.
Croque Madame Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices crusty French bread
- 1 Tbsp butter, softened
- 3 oz thinly sliced ham
- 3 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded or sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup béchamel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spread a generous amount of butter on each slice of bread.
- Arrange the ham slices and Gruyère cheese on top of four slices of bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with remaining slices of bread to make four sandwiches.
- If desired, spread béchamel sauce on the top slice of each sandwich.
- Lightly press down on the sandwiches to help the bread stick together, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- In a small nonstick skillet over medium heat, fry the eggs until over easy.
- Place a fried egg on top of each Croque Madame sandwich, and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or other toppings of your choice.
Croque Monsieur vs Madame (By iStockphoto)
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 510
- Fat 24g
- Carbs 41g
- Protein 28g
- Fiber 3g
Tips From Liliana Kitchen To Make Delicious Croque Monsieur Vs Madame
- When choosing ingredients for your Croque Monsieur vs Madame, opt for high-quality ingredients like fresh, high-quality sliced ham and shredded Gruyère cheese.
- To get a nice crispy crust on your sandwiches, brush each slice of bread with butter before layering the toppings and baking in the oven.
- If you want to add a touch of richness and flavor to your Croque Monsieur vs Madame, consider adding a layer of béchamel sauce to the top of each sandwich.
- When cooking your Croque in the oven, be sure to bake at a high temperature (375 degrees F) for optimal results.
- To finish off your sandwiches, garnish with chopped fresh herbs or other toppings of your choice, such as sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
>> Excited about making Croque Monsieur vs Madame all in once already? Take a glimpse at this video here to know more about how to make them both easily:
What To Serve With Croque Monsieur And Croque Madame?
Some delicious options for sides to serve with Croque Monsieur vs Madame include salad, roasted vegetables, or soup. You could also try a fresh fruit salad or simple green salad to complement the rich flavors in these croque sandwiches.
For a slightly more indulgent side dish, consider serving your Croque sandwiches with French fries or potato chips.
Other options to consider include wine, beer, or sparkling water with lemon. Whatever you choose, make sure your sides are simple and easy to prepare so that you can fully enjoy this decadent French dish!
FAQs For Croque Monsieur vs Madame
What is the difference between a croque monsieur and croque madame?
The main difference between a croque monsieur vs madame is that the latter typically features a fried or poached egg on top of the sandwich, while the former does not. Other differences may include variations in ingredients used to make these classic French sandwiches, as well as how they are cooked and served.
Why do they call it croque monsieur?
Though the origins of this dish are somewhat unclear, some sources suggest that croque monsieur is a variation of another popular snack in France, croque-madame. The name “croque monsieur” simply means “crispy man,” and may refer to the texture of the sandwich or its topping (a fried egg).
Other sources suggest that this dish originated as a quick snack for French soldiers during World War II. Whatever the case, croque monsieur is an iconic French dish loved all over the world!
What’s the difference between croque monsieur and Monte Cristo?
The primary difference between croque monsieur and Monte Cristo is that the latter dish typically features sliced turkey or other meats in addition to ham. Both sandwiches are made with French bread, béchamel sauce, and cheese, but they are usually cooked differently (for example, Monte Cristos are often deep-fried instead of baked in the oven).
Overall, croque monsieur and Monte Cristo are close cousins that are both delicious in their own right!
Why is it called a croque madame?
The name “Croque madame” comes from a combination of the French words for crispy (Croque) and egg (madame), which refers to the fried or poached egg that typically tops this sandwich. Other names for this dish include Croque-dame, croquemadam, and croquetton.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a delicious and indulgent French sandwich, look no further than the classic Croque Monsieur vs Madame! These mouthwatering sandwiches are made with high-quality ingredients like ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Some delicious options for serving your Croque include salad, roasted vegetables, soup, French fries, or wine. Whether you choose to make a Croque Monsieur vs Madame, be sure to enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish!
With this hot-on-the-spot today topic surrounding the Croque Monsieur vs Madame, Liliana Kitchen hopes that you will get an insight into the origin, some close-up information as well as the tips to make yourself both perfect sandwiches with the recipes that I have provided earlier in the post. Happy reading and cooking time to you!
Ingredients
- *FOR CROQUE MONSIEUR RECIPE:
- 8 slices of crusty French bread
- 1 Tbsp butter, softened
- 3 oz thinly sliced ham
- 3 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1/4 cup béchamel sauce (optional)
- *FOR CROQUE MADAME RECIPE:
- Same ingredients for Croque Monsieur Recipe but with plus 2 eggs
Instructions
Instructions For Croque Monsieur Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spread a generous amount of butter on each slice of bread.
- Arrange the ham slices and Gruyère cheese on top of four slices of bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with remaining slices of bread to make four sandwiches.
- If desired, spread béchamel sauce on the top slice of each sandwich.
- Lightly press down on the sandwiches to help the bread stick together, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or other toppings of your choice.
Instructions For Croque Madame Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spread a generous amount of butter on each slice of bread.
- Arrange the ham slices and Gruyère cheese on top of four slices of bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with remaining slices of bread to make four sandwiches.
- If desired, spread béchamel sauce on the top slice of each sandwich.
- Lightly press down on the sandwiches to help the bread stick together, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- In a small nonstick skillet over medium heat, fry the eggs until over easy.
- Place a fried egg on top of each Croque Madame sandwich, and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or other toppings of your choice.
Notes
For Croque Monsieur:
- If desired, you can use a different type of cheese in place of Gruyère or add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or fried eggs.
- For an extra crispy crust on the sandwiches, brush each slice with butter before assembling and baking them in the oven.
For Croque Madame:
- If you want to make a truly delicious and authentic Croque Madame sandwich, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the proper cooking instructions. Start by spreading a generous amount of butter on each slice of bread, then top with thinly sliced ham, shredded Gruyère cheese, and a drizzle of béchamel sauce (if desired).
- Bake the sandwiches in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, then fry two eggs over easy in a small nonstick skillet.
- Place one fried egg on top of each Croque Madame sandwich, and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or other toppings of your choice.
