Mini Croque Monsieurs

Mini Croque Monsieurs

Who says fancy has to be complicated? These Mini Croque Monsieurs are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Imagine thick-cut Gruyère cheese melting over a golden-brown toasted baguette, layered with savory ham and creamy béchamel sauce.

A quick broil creates that perfect crispy, bubbly cheese crust, making these bite-sized delights a hit at brunch, as an appetizer, or even as a quick indulgent snack.

How to Make Mini Croque Monsieurs

Note: This is an overview. See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to bubble, sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously, cooking for about a minute to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Keep whisking until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for that signature Croque Monsieur flavor. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. The sauce should be silky, not too thick, and easily spreadable.

Step 2: Toast the Bread
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange thick slices of baguette on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter to enhance crispiness. Bake for about 5 minutes, just until the bread turns a light golden brown.

The goal is to firm up the slices so they don’t become soggy when layered with béchamel. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before assembling.

Step 3: Assemble the Mini Croque Monsieurs
Take each toasted bread slice and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the surface. This adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the béchamel and cheese. Next, spoon a generous amount of béchamel sauce onto each slice, ensuring an even layer but leaving a slight border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Place a thinly folded slice of ham on top of the sauce. Instead of laying it flat, gently fold or crumple the ham to create layers, which makes each bite more flavorful. Finally, place a thick slice of Gruyère cheese on top, covering the entire piece to allow for an even melt.

Step 4: Broil Until Crispy and Golden
Preheat the broiler and place the assembled mini Croque Monsieurs back on the baking sheet. Transfer the sheet to the upper rack of the oven, directly under the broiler. Let them broil for about 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely.

The Gruyère cheese should melt completely, becoming irresistibly gooey, while the top layer forms a golden-brown crust with a slight crispiness. If you prefer extra crispiness, let them broil for an additional minute, but be careful not to burn the cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once perfectly broiled, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mini Croque Monsieurs cool for a minute. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a pop of freshness. Serve immediately with a side of Dijon mustard and cornichons for a classic French touch.

These are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is at its gooey peak and the crispy edges contrast perfectly with the creamy béchamel.

Pro Tips

• Use thick-cut Gruyère: This creates a luxurious, melty bite with a crisp crust on top.
• Broil carefully: Keep an eye on the sandwiches—cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.
• Toast the bread first: This prevents sogginess and gives each bite a satisfying crunch.
• Try smoked ham for extra depth: Adds a richer, bolder flavor.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freeze: Assemble, then freeze before broiling. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
  

Print Recipe

Mini Croque Monsieurs

Cooking Method: Baking, Broiling Cuisine: European Classics Courses: Appetizers & Snacks, Breakfast & Brunch, Quick & Easy Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

Nut Free

Description

These Mini Croque Monsieurs feature crispy toasted baguette, savory ham, silky béchamel sauce, and thick-cut Gruyère cheese broiled to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch, appetizers, or an elegant snack!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 thick slices of baguette

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 4 slices of ham, folded

• 8 thick slices of Gruyère cheese

• 1 tbsp melted butter

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

1. Make the béchamel sauce:

   Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add warm milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

2. Toast the bread:

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush thick-cut baguette slices with melted butter and toast for 5 minutes until golden.

3. Assemble the Croque Monsieurs:

   Spread Dijon mustard on each toast. Add a layer of béchamel, a folded slice of ham, and a thick slice of Gruyère cheese on top.

4. Broil:

   Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is crispy on top and melty underneath.

5. Serve and enjoy:

   Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve with Dijon mustard or cornichons.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 18g28%

Total Carbohydrate 22g8%

Protein 17g34%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Try whole-grain mustard for a stronger kick.
• Use a mix of Gruyère and Comté for extra depth of flavor.
• For a Croque Madame twist, add a fried egg on top.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, brunch appetizer, melted cheese snacks