The layers of this appetizer are so satisfying that your first bite will not be your last. It’s inspired by the classic fried ham and cheese sandwich, this lighter version of a monte cristo is made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes inside a muffin pan. It’s a six ingredient recipe stuffed with a Gruyere cheese layer and a smoky ham layer. Turn up the sweet and salty with a dollop of your favorite fruit preserves to compliment the whole bite. You are going to LOVE these when you make them!

I tested this recipe with three other finger food recipes on my weekly online class here at 12 Tomatoes and this one was my winner. You can’t beat the layers.

Use a mandolin to slice up all your potatoes into 1/8 inch slices. It will really help to keep the size of each potato consistent for even cooking and keep that addicting even layered bite.

Immediately toss your potato slices in a bowl with melted butter and minced garlic to stop them from going brown. That’s really all the prep this appetizer needs and it’s time to assemble!

There is a lot butter and fat in this recipe, so no need to worry about sticking in your muffin tin. Start by layering three slices at the bottom of each cup, then time for the cheese. Remember because it’s a triple layered appetizer that very little ingredients go a long way. Sprinkle over your cheese, tear up a piece or two of ham, then repeat.

Finish your cups off with some extra cheese on top and bake in the oven until the cheese starts to caramelize around the sides and the stacks turn golden brown. No need for foil or flipping, these crisp up beautifully after around 40 minutes in the oven!

These will pop right out of the muffin tin as they come out which makes them perfect for making a ton of these for a party. They serve great hot, and even better just slightly warm. My preference is to add a sweet element for the full monte cristo vibe, so add a dollop of fruit preserves to each stack. Serve it with a preserve dipping sauce or another favorite sauce if you’re serving a party, but honestly these are amazing on their own. They even reheat amazingly the next day!