From classic to trendy: the evolution of croque monsieur and where to find it in the Netherlands

Croque monsieur is a classic French dish that includes ham, cheese and bread, grilled into a crispy and tasty sandwich. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what a croque monsieur is, how to prepare the dish and some variations of the classic recipe.

Origin of croque monsieur

The origins of croque monsieur are not entirely clear, but it is widely believed that the dish was invented in French cafes and bistros in the 1910s. The dish was originally conceived as a quick and easy meal for workers and students. The word “croque” means “crunchy” in French, and “monsieur” was added as a tribute to male appetite.

Croque monsieur ingredients

The traditional croque monsieur includes white bread, ham and Gruyere cheese. Some recipes add a creamy béchamel sauce for extra flavor. Other variations may use other types of cheese, such as Emmental or Cheddar, or replace the ham with another type of meat, such as chicken or bacon. The most important thing is to choose the ingredients that you like the most and that you have easy access to.

How to prepare croque monsieur

To prepare a croque monsieur, start by toasting the bread. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven until golden brown. Take them out of the oven and top one of the slices with ham and cheese slices. Place the other slice of bread on top, and add a spoonful of béchamel sauce if necessary. Place the sandwich back on the baking tray and toast it until the cheese melts and the bread is crusty. Serve the croque monsieur immediately while it is still warm.

How to make croque monsieur at home

Here is a simple recipe for making a classic croque monsieur:

Ingredients: