Description
Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel are bite-sized versions of the classic French sandwich. These savory treats feature a layer of rich béchamel sauce, melted cheese, and ham between slices of toasted bread. Perfect for appetizers, brunch, or a small indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the béchamel sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the mini croque monsieur:
- 8 slices of white bread (or brioche, for a richer flavor)
- 4 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Emmental cheese, grated
- Butter, for toasting the bread
Instructions
- For the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns lightly golden and forms a paste (roux).
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of four slices of bread, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce. Top each with a slice of ham and a generous portion of both grated Gruyère and Emmental cheese. Place the remaining four slices of bread, buttered side up, to form sandwiches.
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. You can also bake the sandwiches for about 5-7 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once toasted, remove the sandwiches and spread a little more béchamel sauce on top of each one. Sprinkle additional cheese on top and place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
- Carefully cut the sandwiches into quarters or halves for mini servings. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, you can use a mix of Gruyère, Emmental, and Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole wheat bread and reduce the amount of béchamel sauce.
- These mini croque monsieur can be made ahead and heated in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch
- Method: Toasting, Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sandwich
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg