Description
Crisp French mini croque monsieur sandwiches bring classic Parisian cafe charm to home kitchens with elegant simplicity. Layers of buttery bread, melted gruyère, and savory ham create a perfect bite-sized indulgence you’ll want to savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3 large slices ham
- 12 slices smoked Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bread and Base:
- 6 slices white bread
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, plus extra for brushing
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) for optimal toasting and baking conditions.
- Generously brush bread slices with melted butter, ensuring even coverage, and toast each side until light golden and crisp, approximately 2 minutes per side.
- Create sandwich layers by spreading mustard on bread, then add a layer of cheese, followed by ham, and top with another cheese layer before closing with remaining bread slices.
- Transform sandwiches into bite-sized portions by precisely cutting each sandwich into 4 mini squares, arranging them neatly on a baking sheet.
- Craft bechamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then gradually incorporate flour, whisking continuously until the mixture turns a delicate golden hue.
- Slowly introduce milk to the butter-flour mixture, stirring consistently to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce reaches a smooth, thickened consistency.
- Enhance sauce with Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Generously drizzle prepared bechamel sauce over assembled mini sandwiches, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake in preheated oven for 6 minutes, then activate broiler and cook for an additional 4 minutes until surface achieves a rich, golden-brown color.
Notes
- Use olive oil or dairy-free spread for a lighter, healthier version that still provides rich flavor and golden toasting.
- Replace regular bread with gluten-free white or whole grain bread to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture.
- Swap ham with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled zucchini for a delicious plant-based protein alternative that maintains the sandwich’s hearty profile.
- Whisk bechamel sauce continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture that coats the sandwiches perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg