Indulge in the decadent flavor of a French classic with a healthy twist—our Low Fat Croque Madame recipe is perfect for guilt-free gourmet dining. Featuring whole grain bread, low-fat ham, and reduced-fat cheese, this lightened-up version retains all the rich layers of flavor you love while cutting back on unnecessary calories. A velvety béchamel sauce made with skim milk and a dash of nutmeg adds sophistication, while a perfectly fried egg crowns each sandwich for that signature touch. With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, this recipe is an ideal choice for brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a hint of color and elegance, and enjoy the fusion of comfort and health. Perfect for fans of healthy French cuisine or anyone seeking a lower-fat alternative to traditional Croque Madame recipes!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the flour and cook while whisking constantly, until it turns slightly golden, about 2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the skim milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce, about 5 minutes.
Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce, then remove from heat.
Lay out the bread slices on a baking sheet. Lightly spray each with olive oil spray.
Place a slice of ham on two of the bread slices, followed by a slice of reduced-fat cheese.
Top with the remaining slices of bread, forming two sandwiches.
Generously spoon the béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and place another slice of cheese over the sauce.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
While the sandwiches are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan, one at a time, and cook until the whites are set and the yolks are slightly runny, about 3-4 minutes per egg.
Remove the sandwiches from the oven, carefully place a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Calories |
1360 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.1 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.3 g | 161% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 618 mg | 206% | |
| Sodium | 4442 mg | 193% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.4 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 102.6 g | 205% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.1 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 1103 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 1554 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.