Let’s talk about indulgence, shall we? If you’ve ever tasted a Croque Monsieur, you know it’s like a love letter to your taste buds. Now, imagine all the crispy, cheesy goodness of that classic French sandwich, but in mini form—perfect for bite-sized enjoyment. These Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel are your new favorite way to enjoy this decadent French delight, whether it’s for brunch, a party, or just when you want something that feels extra special.
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Imagine perfectly toasted bread, gooey cheese, a layer of creamy béchamel sauce, and a touch of ham—all in a perfectly snackable size. These little sandwiches are rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel
Easy and Fun: These mini sandwiches are a playful take on a classic. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them ideal for serving at a casual brunch or a dinner party.
Ultimate Comfort Food: With melty cheese, creamy béchamel, and savory ham, these sandwiches hit all the right notes. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug—every bite is a little piece of comfort.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these mini Croque Monsieurs ahead of time and bake them just before serving. Perfect for stress-free entertaining or busy mornings!
Impressive Yet Simple: They look fancy, but the steps are simple. If you want to impress your guests with something a bit more refined without the fuss, this is your recipe.
Crowd-Pleasing: Cheese, ham, and a creamy sauce? What’s not to love? Whether it’s a brunch, a party, or just a cozy meal at home, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients in Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Bread: A soft, crusty bread like brioche or a baguette works best for this recipe. It holds up well under the béchamel and toasts to perfection.
Ham: Thinly sliced ham adds the savory, slightly salty component. It pairs beautifully with the cheese and béchamel.
Gruyère Cheese: The key to a true Croque Monsieur is a good melting cheese, and Gruyère is the gold standard. It’s nutty, creamy, and melts beautifully.
Béchamel Sauce: This velvety white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk brings that signature creamy richness. It’s the glue that holds everything together and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Butter: For toasting the bread and for the béchamel sauce, butter is a must! It adds richness and a golden, crispy finish.
Mustard: A tiny bit of Dijon mustard gives these sandwiches a tangy kick that complements the creamy béchamel and cheese perfectly.
Instructions
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Continue to cook for another minute until the sauce is velvety and thick.
Toast the Bread:
Lightly butter the bread slices on both sides and toast them in a pan or under a broiler until golden brown and crispy. You want the bread to have a nice crunch, as it will hold up to all the fillings.
Assemble the Mini Croque Monsieurs:
Lay out the toasted bread slices. On each slice, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce. Add a slice of ham and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese. Top with another slice of toasted bread to form a sandwich.
Top with More Béchamel:
Spread a little more béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich and sprinkle with a bit more Gruyère cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. For an extra crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. You’ll want to serve these while they’re hot for the best cheesy experience.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 mini sandwiches
Calories per serving: Approximately 300–350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
How to Serve Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel
Fresh Salad: Pair these mini sandwiches with a light, fresh salad to balance out the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully.
Soup: A classic French onion soup or tomato soup would be a cozy, comforting side to these sandwiches.
Pickles: A side of tangy pickles or gherkins can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
Wine: Serve with a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or a light-bodied red for a more sophisticated touch.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: Prepare the béchamel sauce and toast the bread ahead of time. Assemble the sandwiches just before baking, and you’ll have a quick and easy meal when you’re ready to serve.
Upgrade the Cheese: While Gruyère is the classic choice, you could also add a bit of Swiss cheese or a mix of cheeses to make it your own.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the ham and load up on extra cheese for a vegetarian version.
Storage Tips: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep that crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella can also work. Just make sure it melts well for that ooey-gooey factor!
Q2: Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the béchamel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before using.
Q3: Can I freeze these mini Croque Monsieurs?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches (without baking). When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Q4: Can I use whole wheat bread?
A4: Definitely! Whole wheat bread works just fine for these sandwiches. It will give them a slightly nuttier flavor and a bit more texture.
Q5: Can I skip the mustard?
A5: If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can skip it. But I recommend adding just a touch to balance the richness of the béchamel and cheese.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Q7: Can I make these sandwiches with gluten-free bread?
A7: Yes, you can use gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free version of this recipe.
Q8: Can I make a larger version of this sandwich?
A8: Of course! Simply use regular-sized bread and double the ingredients for a larger sandwich.
Q9: How do I make these sandwiches crispy?
A9: Toast the bread slices before assembling and broil the sandwiches for the last 1–2 minutes to get that golden, crispy top.
Q10: Can I use a different sauce instead of béchamel?
A10: If you’re looking for a shortcut, you could use a store-bought cheese sauce or even a creamy ranch dressing in place of the béchamel, but the homemade béchamel really makes these sandwiches shine.
There you have it—Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel, the perfect way to indulge in a little French comfort food without all the fuss. Whether it’s a brunch, a party, or just an excuse to treat yourself, these mini sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser every time.
Print
Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 mini croque monsieur 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel combines the crispy, golden puff pastry with a creamy béchamel sauce, savory ham, and melty gruyère cheese. These bite-sized delights are perfect for brunch or as a delicious snack!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry (14 oz)
- 1/2 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup gruyère, shredded
- 1 egg, lightly beaten with water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and is smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a round or square cutter, cut out small circles or squares to form the base of the mini croque monsieur.
- Brush each piece of puff pastry with the egg wash (beaten egg with water). Spread a small amount of béchamel sauce on top of the pastry.
- Add a layer of diced ham and shredded gruyère cheese on top of the sauce, and then cover with another layer of puff pastry, sealing the edges.
- Brush the top of each pastry with more egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy these mini savory treats!
Notes
- If you want a bit more flavor, try adding a small amount of grated nutmeg to the béchamel sauce.
- Mini Croque Monsieur can be served as an appetizer or alongside a light salad for a perfect brunch.
- For extra crispiness, place the mini croque monsieur under the broiler for a minute or two after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini croque monsieur
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg