How to Make Mini Croque Monsieurs

Prepare the Béchamel

Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Cook until thick, season, and stir in Parmesan.

Toast the Bread

Lightly pan-toast each slice for extra crunch and structure.

Assemble the Minis

Layer Dijon mustard, ham, and cheese between two slices.

Top with Sauce and Bake

Add béchamel, sprinkle cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Baking Tips

Use a crusty, dense bread to hold the sauce well.

Make the béchamel ahead and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Try smoked ham for extra flavor.

Mini Croque Monsieurs (Baked Ham and Cheese with Béchamel Sauce)

Name: Mini Croque Monsieurs (Baked Ham and Cheese with Béchamel Sauce)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 mini sandwiches
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 12 slices French baguette or rustic bread; 6 slices deli ham, halved; 6 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese, halved; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional); 2 tablespoons butter, for toasting; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For the Béchamel Sauce:; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

A French café classic turned bite-sized! These Mini Croque Monsieurs feature layers of ham and cheese on crusty bread, topped with creamy béchamel and baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

12 slices French baguette or rustic bread

6 slices deli ham, halved

6 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese, halved

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)

2 tablespoons butter, for toasting

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To make the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Lightly toast the baguette slices in a pan with butter and olive oil until golden.

Spread Dijon mustard (if using) on half the slices. Top with ham and cheese. Add a second slice of bread on top to form mini sandwiches.

Place sandwiches on the baking sheet and spoon béchamel sauce over each top.

Sprinkle a bit more Parmesan and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or cracked pepper.

Mini Croque Monsieurs (Baked Ham and Cheese with Béchamel Sauce)

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Mini Croque Monsieurs

Mini Croque Monsieurs (Baked Ham and Cheese with Béchamel Sauce)

Ingredients

Instructions