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Croque Monsieur Bites Recipe

Croque Monsieur Bites Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

You’re hosting friends for a casual gathering, or perhaps there’s a fun get-together coming up. You want to serve something that wins over the crowd but doesn’t require a culinary degree. 
Within reach lies the perfect solution: croque monsieur bites. Emulating the iconic French sandwich, these little bites pack a flavorful punch. They’re easy to make, gratifying to eat, and they'll have your guests singing your praises.
Now, let’s delve into what makes croque monsieur bites a standout choice. This post lays out everything you need to know, from ingredients to tips for perfect preparation. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together and experience the richness of these delectable morsels.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French
Calories: 265

Ingredients
  

For Assembly:
  • 14 oz [One puff] pastry sheet thawed in the fridge for 4+ hours or overnight; gluten-free alternatives work too
  • 3 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • 6 slices smoked deli ham, diced finely
  • 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 egg, beaten
For the Cheese Mix:
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded Emmental cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried thyme, plus extra for sprinkling at the end
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Béchamel:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, with extra for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Roll it out slightly to ensure it’s an even thickness. This will make cutting out your bites easier.
Step 2: Cut the Dough
  1. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into squares, around 2-3 inches in size. You want them bite-sized but not so small that they lose all that delicious filling.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
  1. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute until it forms a roux.
    Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the salt, thyme, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese and Ham
  1. In a bowl, combine the diced ham, Gruyère, Emmental, Parmesan, roasted garlic powder, crushed dried thyme, and black pepper. This cheesy mixture will be heavenly, making your bites rich and satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble the Bites
  1. Lay out half of your pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each square. Then, spoon in the ham and cheese mixture generously. Top with a drizzle of the béchamel sauce.
    Place another pastry square on top of each filled square, pressing down lightly to seal the edges.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
  1. Using a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Brush the tops of each pastry square with the egg wash. This will help them achieve that golden color and flaky texture in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and puffed up. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it very hard to resist until they’re cool enough to handle!

Notes

  • Use Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the richer the flavor. Invest in good-quality cheeses.
  • Don’t Skip the Béchamel: It adds moisture and depth.
  • Adjust the Fillings: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you prefer or have at hand.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble these a few hours in advance. Just cover and chill before baking.
  • Serve Immediately: These bites taste best straight out of the oven.