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Whenever I'm looking to bring a bit of French flair to my get-togethers, these tiny Croque Monsieurs are my go-to. Every small sandwich comes packed with smoky gruyere, chunky ham slices, and my scratch-made Bechamel. When these flavors mix together, they create something truly wonderful that lifts any party to the next level.
The Ultimate Gathering Treat
I can't help but make these cute bites when friends come over. They always disappear fast, whether we're watching sports or just hanging out with wine. What's great? They're actually pretty easy to make but they look and taste like something from a pricey French bistro.
Essential Ingredients List
- Bread: Cobblestone Million Dollar White Bread works wonders for me as it browns just right.
- Smoked Gruyere Cheese: Cut it super thin for the best melting effect.
- Ham: Grab those chunky cuts as they really boost the flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: A small spread gives that perfect tangy kick.
- Butter: You'll use this for both browning and sauce-making.
- Flour: It's needed to get that smooth sauce consistency.
- Milk: This makes your Bechamel super velvety.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings amazing depth to your sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic spices that tie everything together.
Assembling Your Tiny Delights
- Prep your bread first:
- Coat bread pieces with melted butter and pop them in the oven until lightly golden.
- Stack your ingredients:
- Add Dijon to half your bread pieces then stack cheese, ham, more cheese and top bread. Then cut into small squares.
- Whip up your sauce:
- Heat butter, mix in flour until it gets toasty, then pour milk in slowly while stirring until it thickens nicely. Stir in parmesan for extra yumminess.
- Finishing moves:
- Spoon sauce over each mini sandwich, bake until heated through, then let them get bubbly and brown under the broiler.
Insider Tricks
- Quality bread matters: I won't use anything but Cobblestone Million Dollar White.
- Cheese cutting made easy: I use my mandoline to get perfect gruyere slices.
- For that crispy top: The broiler works magic for just a minute or two.
- Plan ahead: Make the sandwiches earlier, but wait to add sauce and bake until serving time.
The Showstopper Appetizer
These tiny sandwiches have become what people ask for when they come to my place. They add such class to any party while staying totally snackable and tempting. When you combine toasty bread with gooey cheese and that rich sauce, you get something so good your guests will talk about it long after they leave.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I get these ready beforehand?
- Build the sandwiches ahead, but only add the sauce right before putting them in the oven. This keeps the bread crispy.
- → Why bother toasting the bread?
- Toasting works as a shield, keeping the bread from getting soggy when the sauce is added. Plus, it makes it nice and crunchy.
- → Can I switch up the cheese?
- Gruyere works best, but swiss or emmental is fine too. Just make sure it melts well and has a bold taste.
- → How should I warm up leftovers?
- Pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Don't microwave, as it'll ruin the texture.
- → Why put the sauce on top?
- The sauce gives it a rich touch and makes that yummy browned crust in the oven. It’s the signature element of a croque monsieur.