Mini Croque Monsieur Sandwiches with Creamy Bechamel
These elegant mini Croque Monsieur sandwiches layer tavern ham and Italian cheese blend between toasted white bread, all smothered in a rich homemade béchamel sauce. Perfect for brunch gatherings, cocktail parties, or sophisticated lunch spreads, these French-inspired sandwiches can be assembled ahead and baked when ready to serve. The creamy sauce and melted cheese create an irresistible golden top when broiled, while the compact size makes them ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in saucepan over medium-high heat
- 2
Add flour and whisk for 1 minute
- 3
Add milk gradually, whisking constantly and allowing sauce to thicken between each addition
- 4
Bring to a boil and whisk for 30 seconds
- 5
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper
- 6
Set béchamel sauce aside to cool
- 7
Toast each bread slice in toaster until pale golden brown
- 8
Spread about 1 tablespoon béchamel sauce on one slice bread to cover
- 9
Top each with ham and cheese
- 10
Top with another slice bread and another tablespoon béchamel
- 11
Repeat to make 9 sandwiches total
- 12
Top sandwiches evenly with remaining cheese
- 13
Place on baking sheet and wrap securely in plastic wrap
- 14
Refrigerate at least 1 hour
- 15
Heat oven to 375°F when ready to bake
- 16
Unwrap sandwiches and place on baking sheet
- 17
Bake for 10 minutes
- 18
Adjust oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until tops are light golden brown and bubbly
- 19
Remove from oven and cut into triangles to serve immediately
Tips
Make béchamel sauce smooth by adding milk gradually and whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Assemble sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them hold together during baking.
Watch carefully during broiling as cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled sandwiches up to 24 hours before baking
Can be assembled completely and refrigerated overnight before baking
Serve immediately while hot and cheese is bubbly
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the chilling time to avoid sandwiches falling apart during baking
Add milk gradually to béchamel to avoid lumps forming in the sauce
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches completely and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. The chilling time actually helps them hold together better.
What if I don't have tavern ham?
You can substitute with any thinly sliced deli ham, prosciutto, or even sliced turkey. The key is using thin slices for proper layering.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftover baked sandwiches will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp up again.