Is a Croque Monsieur Good? An Indulgent Deep Dive into France's Famous Sandwich

First appearing on Parisian café menus around 1910, the croque monsieur is a culinary institution that has delighted generations. But with its rich béchamel sauce and baked cheese, is a croque monsieur good, or just an overly decadent version of a classic sandwich? This deep dive will settle the debate once and for all.

Quick Summary

The croque monsieur elevates the classic grilled ham and cheese with rich, creamy béchamel sauce, high-quality ham, and melted Gruyère, resulting in a famously savory and decadent delight.

Key Points

• Decadent Ingredients: A key reason for its appeal is the use of high-quality ingredients like Gruyère cheese, savory ham, and the rich, creamy béchamel sauce.

• Texture Contrast: The perfect croque monsieur delivers a satisfying contrast between its crispy, golden crust and its soft, gooey, and cheesy interior.

• Béchamel is Key: The addition of béchamel sauce is the defining characteristic that elevates it from a simple ham and cheese sandwich to a luxurious French staple.

• Not Just a Sandwich: Considered a more substantial and elegant meal, it's a bistro favorite often served with a fork and knife, not a handheld snack.

• Classic and Customizable: While the traditional recipe is excellent, its adaptability allows for delicious variations, such as the croque madame with a fried egg on top.

• Worth the Effort: While requiring a few more steps than a grilled cheese, the resulting rich, complex flavor is well worth the extra effort for any food enthusiast.

What Makes a Croque Monsieur So Good?

The answer to the question, 'is a croque monsieur good?' is a resounding yes, and the secret lies in its sophisticated combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Unlike a standard ham and cheese sandwich, the croque monsieur is a celebration of texture and flavor, where each component plays a crucial role. The key difference is the addition of a rich béchamel sauce, a classic French mother sauce, which provides an unparalleled creaminess that coats and binds the entire sandwich.

The name itself, meaning 'Mr. Crunch' in French, alludes to the crispy, golden-brown crust achieved from toasting and baking the sandwich. The best versions use a sturdy, slightly thick bread like pain de mie to withstand the moisture from the béchamel without becoming soggy. Sliced ham, preferably a good quality baked or boiled ham, adds a savory, salty dimension. Finally, the nutty, creamy flavor of Gruyère or Emmental cheese, which melts beautifully, is essential for its signature gooey center and bubbly, golden top.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Croque Monsieur

A truly great croque monsieur is a study in balance. The rich, savory elements are perfectly complemented by the tangy kick of Dijon mustard spread on the inside of the bread. It is this harmonious interplay of textures and flavors that elevates it far beyond a simple grilled cheese.

• The Bread: A dense white bread, like pain de mie, is crucial for providing a stable structure that can hold the rich fillings without disintegrating. For homemade versions, lightly toasting the inside can add an extra layer of structural integrity and crunch.
• The Béchamel: The heart and soul of the croque monsieur, this velvety white sauce is made from a roux (butter and flour) and milk. Seasoned with a hint of nutmeg and sometimes a touch of mustard, it provides a creamy, unctuous layer that sets this sandwich apart.
• The Ham: A good quality, thinly sliced ham is essential. The flavor should be savory but not overpower the cheese and béchamel. Folding the ham adds texture and body to the filling.
• The Cheese: A combination of cheeses is often used. Gruyère is the classic choice for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. A little grated Parmesan on top can add a salty, crusty finish.
• The Final Touch: The process of finishing the sandwich under a broiler or in the oven is what gives it its characteristic crispy top and bubbly, melted cheese crust.

Croque Monsieur vs. The Classic Grilled Cheese

Feature	Croque Monsieur	Classic American Grilled Cheese
Core Ingredients	Pain de mie, ham, Gruyère/Emmental, béchamel sauce, Dijon mustard.	White bread, American cheese (or cheddar), butter.
Preparation	Assembled with béchamel inside and out, pan-fried, and often baked or broiled.	Buttered bread, cheese inside, cooked in a pan until golden.
Flavor Profile	Rich, savory, creamy, nutty, with a sharp mustard tang.	Simple, buttery, and cheesy.
Texture	Crunchy top, gooey center, and soft, creamy layers.	Crispy exterior with a gooey, stringy cheese interior.
Formality	A bistro staple, often served with a knife and fork.	A classic comfort food, typically eaten with hands.

Why its Popularity Endures

The lasting appeal of the croque monsieur can be attributed to its balance of indulgence and simplicity. It's a satisfying, filling meal that still feels elegant. It's more than just a sandwich; it's a culinary experience. The variations also contribute to its enduring charm. To create a croque madame, for example, a fried or poached egg is added on top, the yolk meant to represent a lady's hat. Other variations include the croque provençal with tomato or the croque norvégien with smoked salmon, proving the dish's adaptability.

For those who love the idea but want a slightly lighter option, modifications are easy. Using a lower-fat béchamel alternative or adding vegetables like wilted spinach can reduce the richness without sacrificing the core flavors. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment, providing a crisp, fresh contrast to the sandwich's richness.

For an authoritative guide on creating a perfect version at home, Serious Eats offers excellent insights into the ideal ratio of bread to filling and the importance of a 'delicately crispy crunch' that gives way to a 'melty goo'.

Conclusion: The Verdict on the Croque Monsieur

Ultimately, the question, 'is a croque monsieur good?' is subjective, but its reputation as a beloved French classic is well-earned. Its combination of textures—the crunch of the crust giving way to the soft, savory interior—and its rich, harmonious flavors make it a truly exceptional sandwich. It takes a simple concept—ham and cheese—and elevates it to something special and memorable through the careful addition of béchamel and quality ingredients. For anyone seeking a comforting, decadent, and genuinely delicious meal, the croque monsieur is unequivocally a fantastic choice. It is a testament to the power of a few key ingredients, expertly combined, to create an enduring culinary masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame?

The key difference is the addition of a fried or poached egg on top. A croque madame is essentially a croque monsieur with an egg, with the runny yolk often likened to a lady's hat.

What kind of cheese is used in a croque monsieur?

The most traditional and popular cheese used is Gruyère or Emmental for their nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Parmesan is also often added for extra flavor and to create a crusty top.

Can I use regular sandwich bread for a croque monsieur?

While you can use regular sandwich bread, a sturdier, thicker bread like pain de mie is recommended. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy under the weight and moisture of the béchamel sauce.

Where does the croque monsieur come from?

The croque monsieur originated in French cafés and bistros in the early 20th century. It first appeared on a Parisian menu around 1910, though its exact origin is subject to various anecdotes.

Is a croque monsieur unhealthy?

While a standard croque monsieur is an indulgent and higher-calorie meal, it is not necessarily unhealthy when consumed in moderation. It provides protein and calcium. You can also make lighter versions by using low-fat cheese or adding extra vegetables.

Why is it called 'Mr. Crunch'?

The name 'croque monsieur' translates from French to 'mister crunch'. This refers to the signature crispy, toasted crust of the sandwich, which provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.

What's the purpose of the béchamel sauce?

The béchamel sauce is what truly elevates the croque monsieur. It adds a rich, creamy, and savory layer that binds the ham and cheese together, creating an unctuous texture and decadent flavor that a simple grilled cheese lacks.