Going Ham Vol: 1 Croque Monsieur Mac Bites
Have you ever wondered how many ways you can eat ham? Because apparently, we’re about to find out. Instacart duplicated my order, charged me twice, and refused to refund me — so now I’ve got two hams and way too much cheese. Join me on this journey to see just how many ways we can possibly eat all this ham.
With the climate surrounding food being what it is right now, nothing’s going to waste here. I would’ve donated it, but most places near me only take nonperishables — so I guess we’re going ham… and might just turn into one.
Recipe one is inspired by the Croque Monsieur — and yes, I will absolutely butcher that pronunciation, so feel free to roast me. But jokes aside, this is one of my favorite sandwiches, so I thought, why not put a twist on mac & cheese bites? With the holidays and football season coming up, these could be a great game-day or party appetizer — or just a fancy way to use up your extra ham.
Think of them as mac & cheese bites’ older sister — the one who acts sophisticated because her wine doesn’t come in a box… even though, honestly, box wine is totally fine with me. 🍷
Give it a shot — or don’t — but if you do, let me know! #homemade #easyrecipe #appetizer #macandcheese #airfryer
If you find yourself with an unexpected surplus of ham and cheese, transforming these ingredients into delicious appetizers can be both practical and delightful. Croque Monsieur, a classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich often made with creamy béchamel sauce and Gruyère cheese, serves as the perfect inspiration to elevate simple mac and cheese bites. Using quality ingredients like Applewood smoked Gruyère cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the smoky ham beautifully. Pairing it with Barilla classic elbow pasta ensures the perfect bite-sized pieces, ideal for parties or game-day snacking. To add an extra kick, incorporating spicy honey mustard or hot honey sauces gives these bites a sweet and tangy dimension. For healthier cooking methods, using an air fryer can create crispy, golden bites with less oil, making the treat lighter but retaining great texture. Combining mayonnaise, possibly Kewpie for its smooth umami taste, helps bind the ingredients when preparing the mac and cheese bites for frying or baking. These Croque Monsieur mac and cheese bites not only reduce food waste by creatively using leftover ham but also introduce new flavors and textures to your appetizer repertoire. They work wonderfully during the holidays or casual gatherings, offering a sophisticated yet comforting snack. Wine pairing is optional, but if you’re feeling fancy, a dry white or light red wine complements the dish splendidly—though a joyful glass of box wine fits just fine for casual occasions. Embrace this playful culinary experiment to turn extra ham and cheese into a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to share, deliciously indulgent, and perfect for any occasion where comfort food meets creativity.
