Description
Monte Cristo Stacks are a delicious, bite-sized twist on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich featuring layers of crispy russet potatoes, savory ham, and melted Gruyere cheese baked to golden perfection. Served with raspberry jam, these stacks make a perfect appetizer or snack with a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Layer
- 1/8 sliced russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Meat and Cheese Layers
- 12 slices ham
- 4 oz. grated Gruyere cheese, plus extra for topping
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- Raspberry jam, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a muffin tin by spraying it with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Coat the Potatoes. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, kosher salt, and minced garlic with the sliced potatoes until all slices are thoroughly coated.
- Layer the Muffin Tin. Place three potato slices at the bottom of each muffin cup. Then add one slice of ham followed by one slice of Gruyere cheese. Sprinkle a layer of Parmesan cheese over the cheese. Repeat this layering process once more, finishing with a topping of Gruyere cheese on each stack.
- Bake the Stacks. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the stacks turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove and Garnish. Carefully remove each stack from the muffin tin using a pairing knife to loosen the edges. Garnish the stacks with minced fresh parsley.
- Serve with Jam. Arrange the Monte Cristo Stacks on a serving plate alongside raspberry jam for dipping to enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Notes
- For crispier potatoes, ensure they are sliced uniformly thin for even cooking.
- You can substitute Gruyere with Swiss cheese for a similar flavor profile.
- Using fresh garlic rather than garlic powder enhances the depth of flavor.
- If raspberry jam is unavailable, try other fruity jams like strawberry or apricot for a sweet contrast.
- Allow the stacks to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin to prevent breaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
