Description
Monte Cristo Stacks are a deliciously layered appetizer featuring crispy russet potatoes, savory ham, and melted Gruyere cheese baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized stacks are garnished with fresh parsley and served with a side of raspberry jam, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Butter Mixture
- 1/8 sliced russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Fillings and Toppings
- 12 slices ham
- 4 oz. grated Gruyere cheese, plus extra for topping
- Parmesan cheese, to sprinkle
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Serving
- Raspberry jam, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat Potatoes. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, kosher salt, and minced garlic. Toss the sliced russet potatoes in the mixture ensuring they are completely coated with the butter and seasoning.
- Layer Ingredients in Muffin Tin. Place 3 slices of potato at the bottom of each muffin cup. Add a slice of ham and then one slice of Gruyere cheese. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the layer, then repeat the layers once more. Finish by topping each stack with additional Gruyere cheese.
- Bake the Stacks. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Remove and Garnish. Carefully remove each stack from the muffin tin using a pairing knife. Garnish with freshly minced parsley for color and flavor.
- Serve with Jam. Serve the Monte Cristo Stacks warm accompanied by raspberry jam for dipping or spreading to add a sweet contrast to the savory stacks.
Notes
- For easier layering, use a small kitchen knife to slice the potatoes evenly.
- Make sure the butter is fully melted and incorporated with garlic for even coating.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty bite and helps to crisp the stacks; don’t skip it.
- Use fresh Gruyere cheese for better melting and flavor intensity.
- Allow the stacks to rest a few minutes after baking so they hold their shape when removed from the muffin tin.
- Raspberry jam pairs perfectly with the savory ham and cheese, but you can substitute with fig jam or cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
