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croque monsieur

English → EnglishcasualInstant · from the shared dictionary
croque monsieur

A croque monsieur is a classic French hot sandwich consisting of ham and cheese (typically Gruyère or Emmental) between slices of bread, often topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and grilled until bubbly and golden. Imagine a decadent, toasted comfort food that transforms a simple ham and cheese sandwich into a rich, bistro-style meal. The term is used in casual dining settings, cafes, or home cooking. It is a specific, established dish name rather than a generic description, so you would order it by name at a restaurant. When a fried egg is added on top, it is commonly referred to as a "croque madame."

In conversation

Ordering at a cafe

I'll have the croque monsieur, please.

I'll have the croque monsieur, please.

Excellent choice, would you like a side salad with that?

Excellent choice, would you like a side salad with that?

It is common to order this dish as a standard cafe lunch option.

Planning lunch at home

Should we make grilled cheese for lunch?

Should we make grilled cheese for lunch?

Let's elevate it—do we have ham and cheese to make a croque monsieur?

Let's elevate it—do we have ham and cheese to make a croque monsieur?

Used here to suggest a more sophisticated version of a standard grilled cheese.

Examples

  1. I ordered a croque monsieur for lunch.

    I ordered a croque monsieur for lunch.

  2. The cafe is famous for its authentic croque monsieur topped with béchamel.

    The cafe is famous for its authentic croque monsieur topped with béchamel.

  3. While the croque monsieur is a bistro staple, many home cooks enjoy experimenting with different types of artisanal bread.

    While the croque monsieur is a bistro staple, many home cooks enjoy experimenting with different types of artisanal bread.

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