Tasty French Sandwiches

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

These mini French-style bites mix crispy toast, savory ham, stretchy cheese, and creamy sauce for a crowd-pleasing starter that's elegant yet easy.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 01:03:05 GMT
Golden ham and cheese sandwiches on a plate with parsley. Save
Golden ham and cheese sandwiches on a plate with parsley. | lilicooks.com

Whenever I'm looking to bring a bit of French flair to my get-togethers, these Mini Croque Monsieurs are my go-to. Every small sandwich comes packed with layers of nutty gruyere, chunky ham slices, and a velvety homemade Bechamel. When these ingredients come together, they create something truly wonderful that'll make any gathering feel extra special.

The Perfect Party Pleaser

These tiny treats are always a hit at my events. They never fail to impress, whether I'm hosting football fans or having the girls over for drinks. What's really great? They're actually pretty easy to make but they look and taste like something you'd pay good money for at a cute French bistro.

Kitchen Essentials

  • Bread: Cobblestone Million Dollar White Bread works wonders for that perfect toast.
  • Smoked Gruyere Cheese: Cut it into fine slices for the ultimate melt factor.
  • Ham: Choose chunky cuts because they really bump up the flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: A small amount brings that needed tangy kick.
  • Butter: You'll want this for both the toasting process and your sauce base.
  • Flour: It's what gives your sauce that smooth consistency.
  • Milk: The foundation of your velvety Bechamel.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a lovely depth to your sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that tie everything together nicely.

Crafting Your Bite-sized Delights

Prep your bread:
Coat bread slices with melted butter and pop them in the oven for a light golden crisp.
Stack your ingredients:
Apply Dijon to half of your toasted bread, then stack cheese, ham, more cheese, and the remaining bread. Then cut into adorable squares.
Whip up the sauce:
In a pan, melt butter, add flour until you get that toasty scent, then gradually pour in milk while stirring constantly until thickened. Mix in parmesan for extra goodness.
Finishing up:
Drizzle sauce over each mini sandwich, bake until heated through, then switch to broiler mode for that stunning golden crust.

Insider Tricks

  • Bread matters: I can't say enough good things about Cobblestone Million Dollar White.
  • Cheese cutting hack: I always use my mandoline to get those gruyere slices just right.
  • Perfect browning: Don't skip that quick broiler finish for amazing color.
  • Time management: You can get everything ready early and just do the sauce and baking right before guests arrive.

Crowd-Pleasing Favorites

I've become known for these little sandwiches at my parties. They add a touch of class to any event while staying totally accessible and mouthwatering. Something magical happens when you combine crispy bread, gooey cheese and that rich sauce. Your friends will be talking about them long after they've gone home.

A close-up of grilled sandwiches with melted cheese and ham, garnished with parsley, served on a wooden platter. Save
A close-up of grilled sandwiches with melted cheese and ham, garnished with parsley, served on a wooden platter. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the sandwiches early but wait to add the sauce until baking. This keeps the bread crunchy and not soggy.
→ Why bake the bread beforehand?
Baking first keeps the bread crisp and adds a crunchy texture when the cheesy sauce is layered on.
→ Can I swap the cheese?
Instead of gruyere, try swiss or emmental for rich, gooey goodness. Look for a cheese that melts well.
→ How should I warm up extras?
Heat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for roughly 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is best avoided as it softens both bread and cheese.
→ What’s the sauce for?
The creamy sauce makes the sandwiches rich and helps with the signature golden-brown crust after broiling.

French Party Sandwiches

Toasty ham and cheese bites with a drizzle of parmesan cream. The ultimate snack for special occasions and hangouts.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
12 min
Overall Time
27 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: French

Output: 12 Serves (12 bite-sized sandwiches)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 Half a cup of grated Parmesan.
02 A shake of salt and pepper.
03 One and a half cups milk.
04 Two tablespoons butter (keep some for brushing).
05 Six slices of white bread.
06 Two tablespoons flour.
07 Three large ham slices.
08 Twelve smoked Gruyere cheese slices.
09 Three tablespoons Dijon mustard.

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.

Step 02

Butter each slice, then toast both sides for 2 minutes.

Step 03

Spread mustard on bread, layer on cheese, ham, another cheese slice, and cover with bread.

Step 04

Place sandwiches on a baking tray after cutting each into 4 smaller squares.

Step 05

Make a bechamel by melting butter, mixing in flour until golden, and slowly stirring in milk until it thickens.

Step 06

Add Parmesan and season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Step 07

Pour sauce over the sandwiches, bake for 6 minutes and then broil for 4 minutes until golden brown.

Tips

  1. Awesome for parties or get-togethers.
  2. You can prep it ahead of time before adding the sauce.
  3. A French favorite downsized to bite-size.

Required Tools

  • Sheet to bake on.
  • Pot for sauce.
  • Whisk for mixing.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter).
  • Includes wheat (bread).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 10 g