Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Croque Monsieur expire?
A Croque Monsieur, which is a type of baked or fried boiled ham and cheese sandwich, should be consumed within 3-4 days if it's homemade and stored in the fridge. It will usually last up to a week in the fridge depending on the freshness of the ingredients used. If you've bought a pre-packaged Croque Monsieur, it's best to base your timeline on the printed expiration date on the package. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
How do you tell if Croque Monsieur is bad?
If your Croque Monsieur has gone bad, you'll be able to identify it quite easily. First, pay attention to if the bread is extremely hard, dry, or presents mold, this is a straightforward sign the sandwich is no longer good. The cheese and ham inside can also spoil. If they look or smell off or have a slimy texture, it's best to discard the sandwich.
Tips for storing Croque Monsieur to extend shelf life
• Store your homemade Croque Monsieur in an air-tight container or seal it in a plastic bag to keep it fresh in the fridge.
• Cool it completely before you pop it into the refrigerator to avoid bacteria growth.
• If freezing, wrap in aluminum foil or freezer bags, then store in an airtight container for double protection against freezer burn and odors.
• To revive a refrigerated or frozen Croque Monsieur, bake it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until the inside is warm and the outside is toasty.