Gourmet Monte Cristo Ham and Gruyère Crostini

This sophisticated crostini transforms the classic Monte Cristo sandwich into an elegant appetizer. Crispy baguette slices are topped with a creamy Gruyère and Dijon spread, thinly sliced ham, and a dusting of powdered sugar, offering a delightful balance of savory, salty, and sweet flavors. It's the perfect bite-sized indulgence for a special occasion.

Meat & Poultry

Ingredients

1 large baguette, thinly sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 ounces thinly sliced gourmet ham (such as Black Forest or Prosciutto Cotto)
4 ounces Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup high-quality raspberry preserves
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
Pinch of powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the thinly sliced baguette rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Lightly brush each baguette slice with melted unsalted butter. Bake for 8-10 minutes minutes, or until the crostini are lightly golden and crisp.
Remove the crostini from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each toasted crostini.
Top each crostini with a small piece of thinly sliced gourmet ham, followed by a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Gruyère cheese.
Return the crostini to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the Gruyère cheese is melted and bubbly.
Carefully remove the crostini from the oven. Top each with a small dollop of high-quality raspberry preserves.
Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives and, if desired, a delicate dusting of powdered sugar before serving immediately.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For a perfect pairing, serve this rich appetizer with a crisp, dry sparkling wine like a Brut Rosé, which will cut through the richness of the cheese and ham while complementing the hint of sweetness.

From the Tini Crostini Collection