Crispy Croque Monsieur Bites with Gruyère and Ham

Classic Croque Monsieur Finger Food

Category: Appetizers

Servings: 12 pieces

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
   Start by making the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional), then set aside.

2. Prepare the Gruyère Cheese:
   While the béchamel sauce is cooling slightly, grate the Gruyère cheese finely. This will be used both in the sauce and as part of the sandwich filling.

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3. Assemble the Finger Foods:
   Lay out the puff pastry sheets on a clean, flat surface. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on each sheet. On top of the béchamel, add a small square of cooked ham, followed by a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.

4. Create the Croque Monsieur Sandwich:
   Take a second puff pastry sheet and spread a little more béchamel sauce over it. Carefully place this sheet on top of the first, forming a sandwich. Press gently to seal the edges.

5. Grill and Crisp:
   Arrange the prepared croque monsieur finger foods on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), or you can use the grill setting. Bake for 1-2 minutes, or until the top pastry is golden brown and crispy. If using the grill, be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.

6. Serve:
   Remove from the oven, cut each sandwich into bite-sized pieces, and serve warm. These classic croque monsieur finger foods are now ready to delight your guests!

Tips for Perfect Croque Monsieur Finger Foods:

• Customize the Filling: You can add a touch of Dijon mustard or swap the Gruyère for another cheese like Emmental for a variation on the classic.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the béchamel and assemble the sandwiches ahead of time. Simply refrigerate and bake them when ready to serve.
• For Extra Crispiness: Brush the top of the puff pastry with a bit of melted butter before baking for an extra golden finish.

Enjoy these bite-sized, indulgent croque monsieur finger foods as a perfect addition to any appetizer spread!