This is a traditional appetizer that we probably made for just about every reception. Everyone loved them, which is no surprise. After all, they are layers of smoked ham and Gruyère cheese sandwiched between heavily buttered bread and then broiled. What is not to like?

　　

Ingredients

Makes 32 cocktail-size portions.

　　1 stick salted butter, softened

　　8 slices pain de mie or firm white bread

　　8 ounces Gruyère cheese, 16 thin slices with rind removed

　　8 (1-ounce) slices smoked ham

　　

Step 1

1. Preheat the broiler. Butter the bread slices on both sides. Top 4 slices of bread with 8 thin slices of Gruyère, followed by all 8 slices of ham. Finish with the remaining Gruyère on top of the ham, and then lay the remaining 4 bread slices on top of the cheese.

　　

Step 2

2. Put the croques monsieur onto a baking sheet, and place the baking sheet under the broiler for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwiches over carefully, and brown the other side. Remove the four sandwiches from the broiler, trim off the crusts, and cut each sandwich into eight pieces. Serve immediately.

　　

Step 3

3. If you plan to make the croques monsieur ahead of time, they can be laid between layers of parchment paper and refrigerated.

　　Reprinted with permission from Eating Royally by Darren McGrady, (C) © 2007 Thomas Nelson Inc.