Name: Mini Croque Monsieur Turnovers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 15g butter; 15g plain flour; 180ml milk; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 60g Gruyère cheese, grated (divided: 40g for sauce, 20g for filling); 320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry; 80g wafer-thin smoked ham, torn; 1 egg, beaten (or 1 tbsp milk for brushing)

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Introduction

These mini croque monsieur turnovers are delightful little bites combining creamy béchamel, smoky ham, and melted gruyère inside crisp puff pastry. Perfect for parties or a cozy snack, they bring a classic French sandwich to an irresistible handheld treat.

The image shows a single golden-brown pastry with a flaky, layered texture, shaped like a rectangle with its corners folded slightly inward to reveal the filling. The filling consists of creamy melted cheese and thin slices of pink ham, speckled with black pepper and small bits of dark herbs or spices. The pastry’s surface is shiny with a light glaze, and slight browning from baking adds contrast. In the upper right corner, a small portion of a white plate holds a slice of toasted bread topped with white cheese and a green herb leaf. The background is a smooth, pink surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15g butter
15g plain flour
180ml milk
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
60g gruyère, grated
320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
80g wafer-thin smoked ham, torn
1 egg, beaten, or 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns light brown.
Step 2: Gradually add the milk, a splash at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Once all the milk is added, bring to a simmer while whisking continuously. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the béchamel sauce thickens.
Step 4: Remove from heat and whisk in the mustard and 40g of the grated gruyère. Set aside to cool.
Step 5: Unroll the puff pastry on its baking parchment and cut into 12 squares measuring approximately 8cm each.
Step 6: Rotate each square to form a diamond shape. Spoon 2 teaspoons of the béchamel down the center of each diamond.
Step 7: Top the béchamel with torn ham and a little of the remaining cheese.
Step 8: Fold one edge over the filling, brush the edge with beaten egg or milk, then fold over the opposite edge to seal.
Step 9: Brush the entire turnover with beaten egg and grind over some black pepper.
Step 10: Heat an air fryer to 180°C and cook the turnovers in batches for 10-12 minutes until puffed, golden, and bubbling.
Step 11: Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a traditional oven method, bake turnovers at 200°C (fan) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Swap smoked ham for cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
Use wholegrain mustard for a slightly tangier béchamel flavor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the béchamel for a warm, comforting note.

Storage

Once cooled, store the turnovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 120°C until warmed through to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

A golden brown puff pastry with a shiny, slightly crispy texture forms the base layer of this dish. It is folded into a rectangular shape with visible flaky layers. Inside, there are two main visible layers, one side showing melted creamy cheese with a smooth, gooey texture and light beige spots from baking, and the other side displaying several thin slices of reddish-pink ham that peek out from under the folded pastry. Small specks of black pepper are scattered on top of the pastry, adding contrast to the golden surface. The pastry rests directly on a pink background with a small piece of crusty white bread topped with a dollop of white creamy spread and a small green herb partially visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the turnovers and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. Just brush with egg wash right before baking or air frying.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the turnovers in a preheated oven at 200°C for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.