PARTNER POST – Get creative with any of Castello’s uniquely crafted cheeses. Click here for a $1 off coupon to create your own gourmet masterpiece.
Creamy havarti cheese, ham, smoked turkey, and tangy raspberry preserves make Monte Cristo Bites an irresistible appetizer.
By Courtney Rowland
When I discovered the Monte Cristo sandwich in college I instantly fell in love. Stuffed with ham, turkey, and cheese then dunked in egg and pan fried like french toast, it’s a combination that satisfies both my sweet and savory tooth.
I recently got the opportunity to try Castello’s Creamy Havarti Cheese, and the moment I tasted this slightly tangy, extra smooth cheese, I knew it was made for Monte Cristos. Both the texture and flavor of this cheese lends itself well to fruity combinations. Though it was tough not to eat the entire block in one sitting, I knew this cheese was destined for more than just a knife and my mouth.
I decided to stray a bit from tradition and turn the classic Monte Cristo Sandwich into a bite sized appetizer, because bite sized = I can have five. Traditionally, Monte Cristos are served with some kind of fruit topping. I know some of you cringe at the idea of spreading fruit on a ham and cheese sandwich, but trust me, this combo is addictive. Savory ham and melty cheese wrapped in a flaky puff pastry blanket and dunked in tangy raspberry preserves? Yes.
Made in under 30 minutes, this is an appetizer recipe you’ll definitely want to keep around for last minute parties. Or hey, maybe just lunch today.
PrintFeed Your Creativity — Creamy Monte Cristo Bites
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Creamy havarti cheese, ham, smoked turkey, and tangy raspberry preserves make Monte Cristo Bites an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8–10 slices ham
- 8–10 slices smoked turkey
- 2 cups shredded Creamy Havarti cheese
- 1 egg + 1 Tablespoon water
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup raspberry preserves
- 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry until it’s easy to work with. it should be cold, but rollable.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about a 16 by 12 inch rectangle. Top with a layer of ham slices, slightly overlapping, followed by a layer of turkey slices. Spread the shredded cheese evenly overly the meats.
- Starting on the long end of the rectangle, roll the puff pastry up into a log. Use a fork to whisk together the egg and the water in a small bowl. Brush the log with the egg wash, then slice it into 14-16 rounds. Place the rounds on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, leaving at least an inch between each one. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until cheese is melted and puff pastry is golden.
- In a small bowl, stir together the raspberry and dijon. Serve the monte cristo bites warm with the raspberry dipping sauce.
- Category: Appetizer
Get creative with any of Castello’s uniquely crafted cheeses. Click here for a $1 off coupon to create your own gourmet masterpiece.
