Indulge in the classic elegance of a Croque Monsieur without the guilt with this flavor-packed Low Sodium Croque Monsieur recipe! Perfectly toasted whole-grain bread serves as the foundation for layers of tender lean low-sodium ham, nutty Gruyere cheese, and a velvety homemade béchamel sauce infused with a hint of nutmeg. The recipe substitutes low-sodium milk and avoids excessive salt, making it a heart-healthier alternative to the traditional French favorite. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this dish achieves an irresistible golden crust under the broiler, creating a café-quality experience right in your kitchen. Ideal for a light lunch or an elevated brunch, this low-sodium delight proves that fewer compromises can still lead to full-flavored satisfaction.
Preheat your oven's broiler on high setting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, cooking for about 1 minute.
Gradually add the low-sodium milk to the flour mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the ground nutmeg and ground black pepper into the béchamel sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
Lightly toast the whole-grain bread slices by placing them on the prepared baking sheet and broiling for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Keep an eye to prevent burning.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on two slices of toasted bread. Then layer 2 slices of lean low-sodium ham and half of the shredded gruyere cheese on each slice.
Place the remaining slices of bread on top to form two sandwiches.
In a small skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until each side is golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them back on the baking sheet.
Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Sprinkle the remaining gruyere cheese evenly on top.
Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
Broil the sandwiches in the oven for about 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Serve hot and enjoy your Low Sodium Croque Monsieur!
Calories |
1138 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.5 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.9 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 216 mg | 72% | |
| Sodium | 1403 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 77.8 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.8 g | ||
| Protein | 65.3 g | 131% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 1244 mg | 96% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 957 mg | 20% | |
*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.