Croque monsieur finger food with classic puff pastry

Name: Croque monsieur finger food with classic puff pastry
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: Crispy baked puff pastry 24; Prosciutto cotto 2.1 oz; Gruyere cheese 3.125 oz; Whole milk 1 cup; Butter 1 ¾ tbsp; Type 00 flour 3 tbsp; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Nutmeg to taste

it de fr es br

166

Calories per serving

Energy Kcal 166
Carbohydrates g 18.8
of which sugars g 1.8
Protein g 6.1
Fats g 7.4
of which saturated fat g 3.42
Fiber g 0.7
Cholesterol mg 17
Sodium mg 406

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Makes: 12 pieces
Cost: Very low

PRESENTATION

You ever been to a party where the food just vanishes? Well, that's exactly what happens with croque monsieur finger food. Seriously good stuff. These puff pastry appetizers are a fun twist on the classic French café treat. They turn the croque monsieur into these amazing bite-sized delights. And you know what? The secret is in the layers of crispy puff pastry filled with rich béchamel sauce, savory cooked ham, and a generous sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese. It's this beloved snack in France—especially at brunch—often paired with a chilled glass of white wine, which is great.

The combo of golden pastry and melty cheese is just hard to resist. And look, the whole thing manages to look a bit fancy without being complicated at all. These mini croque monsieur bites are perfect when you want something special but super easy to prepare. They're perfect for brunches or casual gatherings, where everyone can just grab a piece and keep chatting.

The tender ham and moist béchamel tucked inside the flaky pastry make each bite rich and satisfying. Not heavy. You get that mix of salty ham, gooey cheese, and buttery pastry that defines so many French party snacks. And here's the thing, they’re small enough to try one and then go back for more.

You can even mix them in with other appetizer recipes if you enjoy variety. These bites are ideal for anyone who wants to bring a touch of French style to their table. No need to be a professional chef—just ready to enjoy something that comes out of the oven crispy and full of flavor. Whether you’re all about easy puff pastry recipes or just love classic cheese bites, these mini croques bring a slice of French café culture right to your home. Really really nice way to enjoy a bit of France, with all its flavorful charm, in every bite. For sure.

INGREDIENTS

166

Calories per serving

Ingredients for 12 Pastries: Crispy baked puff pastry 24; Prosciutto cotto 2.1 oz (60 g); Gruyere cheese 3.125 oz (90 g)

for the Béchamel Sauce: Whole milk 1 cup (250 ml); Butter 1 ¾ tbsp (25 g); Type 00 flour 3 tbsp (25 g); Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Nutmeg to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Croque monsieur finger food with classic puff pastry

To prepare the croque monsieur finger food with classic puff pastry, first make the béchamel sauce (Béchamel sauce for more guidance): put the butter in a saucepan and let it melt, add the sifted flour 1, and stir constantly to obtain the roux. Add the hot milk to the roux 2 and mix everything with a whisk. Cook on a low flame until the sauce begins to boil and add a pinch of salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook the béchamel sauce, still on low heat, for 15 minutes, the time it takes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally 3.

Meanwhile, finely grate the Gruyère cheese 4 and cut the cooked ham into small squares. Prepare the top part of the croque monsieur by topping 12 puff pastries with a teaspoon of béchamel sauce and a handful of grated Gruyère (5-6).

Fill the other 12 puff pastries with another teaspoon of béchamel sauce 7, a small square of cooked ham 8, and a handful of Gruyère 9.

Now assemble the croque monsieur finger food by placing the puff pastry with béchamel and Gruyère on top of the one filled with béchamel, ham, and Gruyère 10, like a sandwich 11. Lay the croque monsieur on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake the top puff pastry in a hot oven at 350°F or under the grill for 1-2 minutes. Take them out and enjoy your croque monsieur finger food with classic puff pastry!