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

The origin of the name is shrouded in mystery. Presumably it is derived from the croque Monsieur, or vice-versa. Croque comes from the verb croquer which means to crunch or to munch.

See also: French toast