Croque Madame vs. Croque Monsieur: Simple Difference

Last Update: 2/22/2025

The short answer: The difference between croque monsieur and croque madame is one ingredient: a fried egg, which is said to resemble a woman’s hat, hence the name croque “madame.”

But there’s more to the name. Simply translated, Croque Monsieur means “crunch mister” and Croque Madame means “crunch Mrs.” Not very helpful if you’re trying to decide whether to eat one. So, how do you decide which to choose in a Croque Monsieur vs. Croque Madame matchup?

Croque Madame vs. Croque Monsieur—Which is better?

After a few minutes with a French café menu, visitors often wonder, What is the difference between a Croque Monsieur and a Croque Madame? And do I want to eat a Croque Madame or a Croque Monsieur, or should I eat both croques? My husband would say there is no question, both croques it is!

We have visited France many times, and on each visit, we do indeed eat our fair share of both croques. The decision, of course, is a personal one. Runny yolk fans like myself will enjoy the madame. However, sometimes it may be too rich for my mood, and I’ll order (or make) a croque monsieur.

Try our Croque Monsieur Light recipe at home!

What Are Croque Monsieurs and Croque Madames?

The short answer: A croque monsieur is the best gooey ham and cheese sandwich—which comes with even more melted cheese on top.

If you’re like me, I had you at cheese!

History of Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur’s history dates back to the early 1900s when the sandwich first appeared in Paris cafés. Croque Monsieur is still THE quintessential French snack, and one of the most famous French foods.

Now, 100 years later, the question of whether to order a Croque Monsieur vs. Croque Madame may indeed be one of the most important a foodie will make while visiting Paris.

Croque Monsieur Recipe

Describing a Croque Monsieur as a French ham and cheese sandwich, or any kind of grilled cheese, does not do it justice.

A classic Croque Monsieur recipe uses creamy béchamel sauce, ham, buttered and toasted rustic county bread, mustard, and either Emmental cheese or Gruyère cheese.

Toasted and baked into a crunchy, melty, cheesy deliciousness, the whole croque family are French food favorites and on our Top 10 List of Foods To Eat in Paris.

Croque Madame Recipe

So, what’s a Croque Madame? A Croque Madame adds a fried egg, traditionally a sunny side egg, to the top of a Croque Monsieur.

The runny egg adds another layer to the ooey gooey crunchy yumminess of the original croque. I am a big fan of the runny egg and toasted bread combo, and this is the ultimate choice in that category.

But don’t let the egg fool you! Croques are definitely not part of a traditional French breakfast. (Fun French food fact: Breakfast pastries are a typical first meal of the day, not eggs.)

Where to find the best Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame

Let me just say, if you travel to Paris, you must at least try either a Croque Monsieur or a Croque Madame, especially if you want to truly experience the food of France. They truly are everywhere—even as grab-and-go street food in Paris.

If you have enough time, my husband is right: Both are the answer—just not during the same meal, as he would have it.

Ponder your Croque Madame vs. Monsieur order at one of the neighborhood Parisienne cafes. Most will serve an excellent Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, but not my own creation: the Croque Monsieur-Madame.

Try Le Nemrod in the 6th on one of the best food streets in Paris, Le Petit Cler in the 7th, or Angelina in the 1st. If you go to Angelina, do not leave without having the best hot chocolate in the world! It’s definitely one of the best desserts in Paris!