The Croque Monsieur, (or “Crispy Mister,” for a direct translation) appeared on Parisian café menus in 1910 and huge thanks must be given the inventor. A Croque is the ultimate fast food, classic Street Food, and all-round convenience food made quickly and easily into a nourishing and totally delicious meal.

The original Croque Monsieur was simply a hot ham and Gruyere cheese sandwich, fried in butter. Some believe it was accidentally created when French workers left their lunch pails by a hot radiator and came back later to discover the cheese in their sandwiches had melted.

That’s an entirely plausible story even if it is simply an urban myth, who cares. everyone loves a Croque. It was the unacknowledged cook who somewhere had the culinary ingenuity to take that bland hot sandwich and sauté it in butter until it turned crisp and golden brown. That move is what truly deserved the fame and honor for this scrumptiously addictive sandwich.

Croque Monsieur Recipes

Found all over France today, the Croque Monsieur - casually referred to as a Croque - has as many recipes and variations as it has cooks. The crunchy sandwich is served as an appetizer, snack, or casual meal. Try one of these recipes for an incredible experience–you only thought you knew grilled cheese sandwiches!

This traditional Croque Monsieur recipe is the closest version of the original sandwich served in Parisian cafes in the early 1900s.

The Croque Madame is an easy to make crunchy cheese sandwich with an egg and Béchamel sauce on top. It’s a very easy recipe; if you’ve ever fried an egg for breakfast, you can make this Croque.

Croque Provencal Recipe

This Croque Provencal recipe includes tomatoes, Raclette cheese, and herbed mayonnaise. An extra layer of richness is added by spreading a bit of homemade Béchamel sauce over the finished sandwich and brings a little Provencal sunshine to the table.

Apple and Sage Croque Monsieur Recipe

This apple and sage Croque Monsieur is a delicious variation on the original French recipe. It features sweet-tart apples, herb mayonnaise, melted cheese, and hot ham sandwiched between two buttery, crisp pieces of bread. Almost a dessert version of the classic Croque.

The Croque Tartiflette is easy to make ​a recipe that satisfies comfort food cravings. Just like the famous Tartiflette casserole, this sandwich includes a creamy Béchamel sauce, melted Reblochon cheese, and sliced potatoes in a crunchy, buttery sandwich. This Croque is packed with carbs, but a treat now again can't do too much harm.