Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled sandwich that combines the decadent flavors of a traditional French Croque Monsieur with a healthier twist that won't compromise on taste. This lightened-up version transforms the classic rich sandwich into a mouthwatering meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you're a foodie looking to cut calories or simply craving a gourmet grilled cheese experience, this recipe will revolutionize your lunch game and leave you wondering why you ever settled for ordinary sandwiches!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole grain bread
- 4 slices low-fat cheese
- 4 slices turkey ham
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup low-fat milk
- 1 tbsp flour
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by laying out the whole grain bread slices, slicing cheese, and cutting turkey ham to fit bread perfectly.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
- Gradually pour in low-fat milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove white sauce from heat and season lightly with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Spread Dijon mustard evenly on one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
- Layer two bread slices with turkey ham and low-fat cheese, then top with remaining bread slices, mustard-side down.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly brushing with remaining butter.
- Grill sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Optional: Drizzle prepared white sauce over grilled sandwiches before serving for extra richness.
- Cut sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Choose a high-quality whole grain bread that's sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Let your cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before assembling the sandwich to ensure more even melting.
- White Sauce Consistency: Whisk constantly when making the white sauce to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture.
- Grilling Technique: Use medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the bread. A non-stick skillet or griddle works best.
- Mustard Tip: Spread Dijon mustard edge-to-edge for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the bread is crisp for the ultimate eating experience.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the white sauce in advance and reheat gently before drizzling over the sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
