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When I want to add a touch of Paris to my gatherings I turn to these Mini Croque Monsieurs. Each bite sized sandwich is layered with smoky gruyere thick slices of ham and my homemade Bechamel sauce. The combination creates pure magic that transforms any party into something special.
Your New Party Favorite
I love serving these little beauties at my gatherings. They're such a crowd pleaser whether I'm hosting game day or having friends over for wine night. The best part? They're surprisingly simple to put together but look and taste like they came from a fancy French cafe.
What You Need in Your Kitchen
- Bread: I swear by Cobblestone Million Dollar White Bread it toasts up perfectly.
- Smoked Gruyere Cheese: Slice it thin for the most amazing melt.
- Ham: Go for nice thick slices they make all the difference.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch adds that perfect zingy flavor.
- Butter: You'll need this for both toasting and your sauce.
- Flour: This helps create that silky sauce texture.
- Milk: The key to creamy dreamy Bechamel.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds such wonderful richness to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring it all together.
Creating Your Mini Masterpieces
- Start with the bread:
- Brush your bread slices with melted butter and give them a quick toast in the oven until just golden.
- Build your sandwiches:
- Spread some Dijon on half the slices then layer up with cheese ham more cheese and top with bread. Cut them into cute little squares.
- Make your sauce:
- Melt butter whisk in flour until it smells nutty then slowly add milk stirring until thick and creamy. Finish with parmesan its going to be amazing.
- The final touches:
- Top each mini sandwich with sauce then bake until warm and finish under the broiler for that gorgeous golden top.
My Secret Tips
- Choose good bread: That Cobblestone Million Dollar White is my absolute favorite.
- Get those perfect cheese slices: My mandoline makes quick work of the gruyere.
- That golden top: A quick trip under the broiler creates magic.
- Work ahead: You can prep these early just save the sauce and baking for the last minute.
A True Party Star
These mini sandwiches have become my signature party dish. They bring such elegance to any gathering while being completely approachable and irresistible. The combination of toasted bread melty cheese and that creamy sauce creates something truly special that your guests won't soon forget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
- You can assemble the sandwiches ahead but add the sauce just before baking. This prevents the bread from getting soggy while keeping the crispy texture.
- → Why toast the bread first?
- Pre-toasting the bread creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess when the sauce is added. It also ensures the finished sandwich has a nice crispy texture.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- While traditional croque monsieurs use gruyere, you can substitute with swiss cheese or emmental. The cheese should be good for melting and have a rich flavor.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
- → Why add the sauce on top?
- The bechamel sauce adds richness and creates that classic golden-brown crust when broiled. It's what makes a croque monsieur different from a regular grilled cheese.