I absolutely loved this wonderful, light, crunchy ham and grilled cheese delight. I discovered the recipe in the 2003 edition of “the best of Cooking Light 4”.
According to the write-up in the magazine, their version of this classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich is, “more like stuffed French toast than a sandwich”.
No matter what you call it, it is just the dish to have on a hot afternoon or evening. I decided to make this recipe one hot Sunday for an early dinner. I added a simple salad of field greens, baby spinach, sweet red peppers, vine-ripened tomatoes and julienne carrots.
Croque Monsieur
4 (1 ½ ounce) slices French bread
4 teaspoons honey mustard
6 ounces reduced-fat deli ham, thinly sliced
4 (1 ounce) slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
½ cup fat-free milk
3 large egg whites
Cooking spray
- Cut a slit in each bread slice to form a pocket. Spread 1 teaspoon honey mustard into each bread pocket. Divide ham and cheese evenly among bread pockets.
- Combine milk and egg whites in a shallow bowl, stirring with a whisk. Dip sandwiches, 1 at a time, in milk mixture, turning to coat.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add 2 sandwiches, and cook them 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat the procedure with the remaining sandwiches. Yield: 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
CALORIES 293 (30% from fat); FAT 9.8g (sat 5.2g, mono 0.8g, poly 0.8g); PROTEIN 22.3g; CARB 27.9g; FIBER 1.3g; CHOL 40mg; IRON 1.6mg; SODIUM 649mg: CALC 475mg.
I loved this recipe because it was easy, all ingredients were readily available and, most of all, delicious. I loved the ‘crunch’ of the French bread with the warm ham and cheese nestled inside, and the sweetness of the honey mustard. I especially loved that on a hot day I was in and out of the kitchen in short order and enjoying this light, tasty meal on my lanai.
I used Boar’s Head Tavern ham and Baby Swiss cheese for this recipe. I use Boar’s Head meats and cheeses exclusively because they contain no fillers, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, trans fat or gluten. I like the philosophy of this family owned business about their products: We don’t put anything in our products that you wouldn’t put on your own table. But in the end, the reason I prefer their meats and cheeses is because they just taste good!
One hot spring or summer day try this recipe, I think you will like it.
Enjoy,
Mary
Makes my taste buds explode just reading this.
Since I don’t eat ham anymore, wondering if I could use turkey instead without alterning the taste too much…
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Hello Hubert–Thanks for stopping by and leaving some kind words. I will check in your site and get back to you. Thanks for your interest. Mary
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