Savory Croque Monsieur Bites
Indulge in the delightful fusion of French culinary tradition and bite-sized appetites with these Savory Croque Monsieur Bites. Inspired by the classic Croque Monsieur sandwich, these delectable cheese puffs are a modern take on the traditional gougères, packed with the flavors of rich, nutty Gruyère or zesty cheddar jack cheese, complemented by savory minced ham and fresh chives. Perfectly golden and crisp, these puffs are an irresistible addition to cocktail parties, elevating your gatherings with a touch of French elegance. Enjoy them warm, right out of the oven, alongside refreshing drinks like a Pear Thyme Fizz or a vibrant Peach 75—your guests will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/2 cup (None)
whole milk
1/2 cup (None)
salted butter
6 tablespoons (Cubed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
minced ham
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (Sifted)
large eggs
4 (Beaten slightly)
Gruyère cheese
3/4 cup (Grated (about 2 3/4 ounces))
chives
1 tablespoon (Freshly chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center.
2
In a heavy medium saucepan, combine water, whole milk, salted butter, salt, and minced ham. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3
Once boiling, swiftly add in the all-purpose flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a thick ball, about 1 minute. This will ensure the mixture dries out slightly.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the dough to an electric mixer. Blend on medium-high speed, adding one egg at a time. As soon as the first egg is partially incorporated, increase the speed to high. Continue until all eggs are fully integrated, resulting in a smooth and glossy batter.
5
Fold in the grated Gruyère cheese and freshly chopped chives until well-distributed. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
6
Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or spraying with cooking spray. Use a heaping teaspoon to drop the dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a more polished look, pipe the dough using a pastry bag.
7
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs have risen and are golden brown. Serve immediately while warm, or let them cool slightly before reheating to enjoy at your leisure.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Croque Monsieur Bites?
Savory Croque Monsieur Bites are delicious, bite-sized cheese puffs inspired by the classic French sandwich, featuring Gruyère cheese, minced ham, and fresh chives.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center for the best results.
How long do these bites need to bake?
Bake the puffs for 20 to 25 minutes until they have risen and are golden brown.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated Gruyère cheese, though zesty cheddar jack is a suitable alternative.
How much ham is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of finely chopped minced ham.
Do I need an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is used to blend the dough while adding eggs to ensure a smooth and glossy batter.
Can I use water or milk?
This recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of whole milk for the base liquid.
How do I know when the dough is ready in the saucepan?
The dough is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a thick ball, which usually takes about 1 minute of vigorous stirring.
How should the eggs be added?
Add four large eggs one at a time, blending on medium-high speed and increasing to high as they integrate.
Should the flour be prepared in any specific way?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
What kind of butter should I use?
Use 6 tablespoons of cubed salted butter.
Are there any fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped chives is folded into the dough.
How should I portion the dough onto the baking sheet?
Use a heaping teaspoon to drop the dough onto the sheets, or pipe it with a pastry bag for a more polished look.
How far apart should the puffs be spaced?
Space the dough portions about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
How do I prepare the baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them with cooking spray.
Should the mixture cool before baking?
Yes, allow the dough mixture to cool for about 10 minutes after folding in the cheese and chives.
What are gougères?
Gougères are traditional French savory cheese puffs made from choux pastry, which this recipe is based on.
What drinks pair well with these bites?
They pair excellently with refreshing drinks like a Pear Thyme Fizz or a Peach 75.
Should these be served hot or cold?
They are best served immediately while warm, though they can be reheated later.
Can I make these for a cocktail party?
Absolutely, these elegant finger foods are an irresistible addition to any cocktail party or social gathering.
What is the texture of the finished puffs?
The finished puffs are golden, crisp on the outside, and light and airy on the inside.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: water, milk, butter, salt, ham, flour, eggs, Gruyère, and chives.
Is the ham added to the liquid or the dough?
The minced ham is added to the saucepan with the water, milk, and butter before the mixture is brought to a boil.
What tools are needed for the dough?
You will need a heavy medium saucepan, a wooden spoon, and an electric mixer.
Can I reheat leftover puffs?
Yes, you can let them cool and then reheat them at your leisure to enjoy later.
Does the recipe use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for salted butter.
How much salt is added?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the total count of eggs used?
The recipe uses 4 large eggs.
Can I substitute the Gruyère?
Yes, while Gruyère is traditional, you can substitute it with cheddar jack cheese.
Why do you stir the dough vigorously after adding flour?
Vigorous stirring ensures the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture dries out slightly to form a stable ball.