Lightened Up Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these Lightened Up Monte Cristo Sandwiches. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack, these sandwiches are layered with creamy gruyere cheese and lean turkey or chicken, all enveloped in hearty whole wheat bread. Dipped in a flavorful egg mixture and lightly pan-seared to golden perfection, they are both delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly. Serve them hot for a delightful taste experience that you can enjoy guilt-free!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg
1 large (beaten)
egg white
1 (beaten)
nonfat milk
1/2 cup (skim)
Dijon mustard
4 teaspoons (spread)
whole wheat bread
8 slices (sturdy)
gruyere cheese
4 ounces (thin sliced)
fat-free cooked turkey breast or chicken
4 ounces (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the whole egg, egg white, and nonfat milk until well combined.
2
Spread Dijon mustard generously over 4 slices of whole wheat bread. Layer each with 1 ounce of gruyere cheese and 1 ounce of turkey breast or chicken.
3
Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, sealing the sandwich tightly with your hands.
4
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat.
5
Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a moment on each side to ensure even coating, then place it in the hot skillet.
6
Cook the sandwiches for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melting, pressing down with a spatula occasionally.
7
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half if desired, and serve immediately for best taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lightened Up Monte Cristo Sandwiches?
They are a healthier version of the classic sandwich featuring lean meats, gruyere cheese, and whole wheat bread, dipped in an egg mixture and pan-seared.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Sturdy whole wheat bread is used to provide a hearty base for the sandwich.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of thin-sliced gruyere cheese.
What meat options can I use?
You can use fat-free cooked turkey breast or chicken breast, both sliced.
What is in the egg mixture dip?
The dip consists of one large egg, one egg white, and a half cup of nonfat milk.
How much mustard is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard spread over the bread slices.
Is this recipe Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes, these sandwiches are specifically noted as being Weight Watchers-friendly and low-calorie.
What kind of milk should be used?
Nonfat or skim milk is recommended for this lightened-up version.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredients (8 slices of bread), it makes 4 full sandwiches.
How do you prepare the egg mixture?
Whisk the whole egg, egg white, and nonfat milk together in a shallow bowl or pie plate until well combined.
How do you assemble the sandwiches?
Spread Dijon mustard on 4 slices of bread, layer with 1 ounce each of cheese and meat, and top with the remaining bread slices.
What is the best way to seal the sandwiches?
Press the sandwich slices together tightly with your hands before dipping into the egg mixture.
How do you cook the sandwiches?
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat, then sear the dipped sandwiches.
How long should I soak the sandwich in the egg mixture?
Dip each sandwich briefly on each side to ensure an even coating without making it too soggy.
How long do the sandwiches take to cook?
Cook for about 4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown.
How do I know when the cheese is ready?
The sandwiches are ready when the bread is golden brown and the gruyere cheese has melted.
Should I press the sandwiches while they cook?
Yes, you should occasionally press down with a spatula while they are in the skillet.
What is the best temperature for the skillet?
Medium heat is ideal to ensure the bread browns without burning while the cheese melts.
Can I serve these sandwiches cold?
For the best taste experience, it is recommended to serve them immediately while they are hot.
Is it okay to slice the sandwiches?
Yes, you can slice them in half before serving if desired.
How much meat goes on each sandwich?
Each sandwich should have approximately 1 ounce of turkey or chicken.
How much cheese goes on each sandwich?
Each sandwich should have approximately 1 ounce of gruyere cheese.
Is oil or butter used for frying?
No, a nonstick skillet and cooking spray are used to keep the recipe light.
What makes this a 'lightened up' recipe?
It uses egg whites, nonfat milk, lean meats, whole wheat bread, and cooking spray instead of butter.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for both a satisfying lunch or a healthy snack.
How many egg whites are used?
The recipe uses one whole egg plus one additional egg white.
Does the recipe use a specific type of mustard?
Yes, Dijon mustard is used for its flavorful profile.
What is the preparation for the turkey breast?
The turkey breast should be fat-free, cooked, and sliced.
How many slices of bread are required?
You will need 8 slices of sturdy whole wheat bread.
What is the final texture of the sandwich?
The sandwich should have a golden brown, slightly crisp exterior with a warm, melted cheese interior.