If you've ever wandered into Victor Hugo Deli and spotted "Croque Monsieur" on the menu, you might have wondered, what exactly is that? With a name that translates to "Mister Crunch," it’s clear this sandwich is no ordinary snack. The Croque Monsieur is a crispy, gooey, cheesy delight with a surprisingly interesting history, rooted in French café culture, and let's face it—just as French as baguettes and berets.
How It All Began: A Happy Accident?
Like many iconic dishes, the exact origins of the Croque Monsieur are a bit of a mystery. The most popular story dates back to the early 1900s when it supposedly made its debut in a Parisian café. Legend has it that a chef ran out of baguettes and instead toasted a sandwich with ham and cheese on the stovetop. But this wasn’t just any ham and cheese combo—the bread was slathered with butter, the cheese was melted to perfection, and a little béchamel sauce may have been thrown in for good measure. Voilà! The Croque Monsieur was born.
The Rise to French Fame
Once this sandwich hit café menus, it quickly became a staple of French culture. By 1910, it had found its way into the dictionary, officially cementing its status. Its simplicity—layers of ham and cheese, toasted and often topped with béchamel—made it a go-to snack for Parisians looking for a quick but decadent meal. It’s like the grilled cheese sandwich’s more sophisticated cousin, with that extra je ne sais quoi.
The Croque’s Fancier Sidekick: The Croque Madame
If the Croque Monsieur wasn’t already luxurious enough, someone in the 1960s decided to add a fried egg on top and call it the "Croque Madame." Why “Madame”? Apparently, the fried egg on top was said to resemble a lady’s hat! So now, depending on your mood, you can choose between Monsieur and Madame—both equally delicious, just with a little more oeuf on the Madame’s side.
Try Victor Hugo Deli’s Heat-at-Home Croque Monsieur
If you're craving a Croque Monsieur, Victor Hugo Deli offers a heat-at-home version of this French classic, made with the finest ingredients. Perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting but don’t have time to cook from scratch.
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