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Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce and Ham Roses Recipe

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4.4 from 2 reviews

Mini Croque Monsieur is a delightful French-inspired appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted Gruyere cheese. This recipe includes an optional elegant touch of ham roses for garnish, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or as a sophisticated snack. The dish is baked in the oven to achieve a golden, bubbly top that highlights the rich, comforting flavors of this classic French dish in a bite-sized form.

Ingredients

For Ham Roses – Optional

  • 2 slices French ham (or smoked ham)
  • 6 parsley leaves (for garnish)

For Béchamel Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 6 oz (170 mL) whole milk
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Nutmeg, a nice sprinkle
  • Salt, a nice sprinkle
  • Pepper, a nice sprinkle

For Croque Monsieur

  • ½ baguette (12 slices, about ½ inch each)
  • 6 slices French ham (or smoked ham)
  • 4 oz (113 g) Gruyere cheese (or Emmental cheese)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ham Roses – Optional: Slice one piece of ham into ½ inch slices and another piece into ¼ inch slices. Carefully roll the ½ inch slices into a rose shape, then wrap the ¼ inch slices around the outside to complete the rose. Place the prepared ham roses in a container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Heat a saucepan over low-medium heat and melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk together to form a roux. Gradually add 6 oz (170 mL) whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tsp Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Assemble Croque Monsieur: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the baguette into 12 slices, about ½ inch thick. Place them on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce over each baguette slice.
  4. Prepare Ham and Cheese: Fold each ham slice in half and use a piece of baguette to cut the ham to the perfect size that fits the bread slices. Repeat for 6 ham slices. Arrange the cut ham pieces on top of 6 bread slices. Thinly slice the Gruyere cheese into ¼ inch slices and place 2 slices on each ham-covered bread slice.
  5. Finish Assembly: Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top, béchamel side down, creating sandwiches. Coat the top of each sandwich with a thin layer of béchamel sauce. Add a few more slices of Gruyere cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
  6. Bake the Croque Monsieur: Place the baking sheet on the bottom oven rack and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5-7 minutes. Then move the baking sheet to the top rack and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns. Watch carefully to prevent the sandwich tops from slipping off due to cheese melting rapidly.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with ham roses and parsley leaves, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

  • Make sure the tops don’t slip off when increasing the oven temperature and moving the baking sheet to the top rack by watching through the oven window carefully.
  • The optional ham roses add an elegant garnish that elevates presentation but can be omitted if desired.
  • Use a good-quality Gruyere or Emmental cheese for authentic flavor and excellent melting properties.
  • Béchamel sauce thickness is crucial – whisk continuously to avoid lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
  • Adjust seasoning in the béchamel to taste before assembling sandwiches.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/mini-croque-monsieur-with-bechamel-sauce-and-ham-roses-recipe/