Croque Monsieur

The Croque Monsieur is a ham and cheese sandwich, dipped in egg and then broiled, served (hot) in the bistros of Paris, usually topped with a Mornay or Béchamel sauce.

The origin of the name is shrouded in mystery. Presumably it is derived from the croque Madame, or vice-versa. Croque comes from the verb croquer which means to crunch or to munch. It first appeared on a Paris café menu in 1910.

See also: French toast