Savory Comtoise Bites with Ham and Tomato
Discover the authentic recipe for Comtoise Bites, a delight of French cuisine that will delight your guests at aperitif time or as a starter. Made with bouchées à la reine filled with a tasty béchamel sauce incorporating tomato paste and cooked ham, these bites are not only delicious but also simple to prepare. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 10 minutes, they are perfect for evenings with friends or family meals. The final touch of grated cheese adds a melting texture that enhances everything. Whether you serve them as appetizers at a buffet or as a light starter, these bites will please all taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, they add a note of conviviality and indulgence to your table.
- Preparation time: 15 min
- Cooking time: 10 min
- Servings: serves 4 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- - 8 bite
- - sized crusts for bouchées à la reine
- - 1 homemade béchamel sauce (made of butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg)
- - 1 large can of tomato paste
- - 4 slices of cooked ham
- - 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors
- - 40 g of grated Gruyère cheese, with a few extra pinches for garnishing
- - salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a saucepan, prepare a béchamel sauce, making sure to incorporate a touch of nutmeg.
3. Once the béchamel is ready, add in the tomato paste, stirring gently over low heat to fully incorporate it.
4. Stir the Gruyère into the sauce and let it melt while stirring.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and the teaspoon of sugar.
6. Remove the tops from the crusts and gently hollow out the inside using a knife (be careful not to pierce the bottom).
7. Fill each bite with the savory mixture and sprinkle the rest of the Gruyère on top before replacing the tops.
8. Bake for about 10 minutes to heat through and brown the bites.
Recommended wine
Bergerac
