The French classic sandwich gets a low carb makeover! A grain-free cauliflower crust turns Croque Monsieur into a healthy dinner recipe.
It always surprises me when, given the option of something savoury or something sweet, people choose the savoury. I guess that says a lot about me and my own preferences. After all, I am known as The Low Carb Dessert Queen in some circles. Probably in a lot of circles, come to think of it. I would wager that at least two thirds of the recipes on All Day I Dream About Food are on the sweeter side. I can’t help it, it’s the way my brain works. Dessert is always on offer at our house, as long as it’s healthy, low carb dessert. That’s the way I stay on track and it’s the carrot that keeps my family on track too.
That’s not to say that I don’t have plenty of really great savoury tricks up my sleeve. This blog truly is a treasure trove of delicious low carb recipes, from breakfast to snacks to dinner and dessert. But let’s just say that if someone offers ME the choice between a sweet recipe or a savoury one, I’m gonna go with sweet.
So I offered the peeps on the ADIDAF Facebook Page a choice between this low carb Croque Monsieur made with a cauliflower crust, or a sheet cake. I really, really wanted to post the sheet cake because I am ridiculously excited about it. But the masses have spoken and this time I listened. One person said “I want savoury, I have enough sweet recipes”. Oh no, my friend. You can never have enough sweet recipes! And the sheet cake will be coming soon, I promise…
Have you ever had traditional Croque Monsieur? It’s an open-faced ham and cheese sandwich made on French bread and it’s pretty damn delicious. But pretty damn carby too, as you might imagine. So I thought it would be fun to get those same flavours with a low carb cauliflower crust. Be sure to really squeeze the liquids out of the cauliflower (don’t burn yourself, wait until it’s cool!) for a crisp, non-soggy crust. Even the kids loved this one!
And if you’re looking for vegetarian options, check out this Vegetarian Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe.
Cauliflower Croque Monsieur
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Topping:
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ lb thinly sliced ham
- 3 ounces Gruyere cheese shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Crust:
- Chop cauliflower into 1 inch florets. Add to a food processor or high-powered blender (if using a blender, add a cup or two of water). Process until finely chopped (drain if using a blender with water).
- Place in a microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 10 minutes. Be very careful when removing plastic wrap as the escaping steam can burn you!
- Set a tea towel into a sieve and drain cauliflower through the tea towel. Let sit until cool enough to handle and then gather the ends of the tea towel together and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Preheat oven to 425F.
- Return to bowl and add mozzarella, eggs, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and pat cauliflower mixture into a large, flat rectangle, about 12 by 10 inches. Bake until golden brown and becoming crisp on the edges, and firm in the center about 25 minutes.
Topping:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, mayonnaise and nutmeg. Spread over crust. Arrange ham to cover and then sprinkle with both cheeses.
- Bake another 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted. Broil a minute or two for nicely browned topping.
Notes
Total fat: 15.23g
Calories from fat: 137
Cholesterol: 91mg
Carbohydrate 7.17g
Total dietary fiber: 2.50g
Protein: 15.44g
Diane Lanthier says
Any idea how much would be needed for pre-riced cauliflower? thanks!
Carolyn says
No, I am sorry. I only weighed it out after ricing. A smallish head would probably be enough.
Natasha says
What a fun and healthy dinner recipe! Excited to try – I’m sure my husband will be a big fan!
Nicole M. Foster says
Yum! This was delicious and took care of my ham and cheese sandwich cravings! Will definitely be making again
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
Betty says
How do you get a crispy crust? We have tried a few cauliflower bases and they are usually a bit soggy>
Carolyn says
Yup, I think that’s the nature of the beast here. it’s dry before you put the toppings on but once you do that…it tends to get a bit soggy.
Janey says
…and…top it with a poached egg for a Croque Madame ….. OOoooo la lahhhhh …….
Dorathy says
This looks amazing. Thank you so much
Erica M says
I made this last night and it was the best thing I’ve eaten on my lc woe!! I did have a question as far as the nutrition. I’m a little confused on the exact nutrition. There are two different carb counts. Maybe I’m just not reading it correctly. Could you clarify for my slow brain 🙂
Carolyn says
Net carbs vs. Total carbs. Net carbs = total minus fiber.
Amy says
What’s the best way to cook the cauliflower without a microwave? 🙂
Carolyn says
Put it into a pot with a few inches of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer until it’s very tender.
Cecile says
Wow, looks great, just to be clear, if using a blender as in the video, no water either in blender or when microwaving?
Just finished a bowl of your low carb vanilla ice cream…………first try and it was absolutely delicious!!
Carolyn says
Water in the blender. NO water if you are using a food processor. No water in the step for microwaving.
Donna says
Thanks for clearing that up about water in the blender. It’s so fast to do it that way. No more scraped fingers on the box grater. …. You are AWESOME!!
Carolyn says
It was actually a reader who gave me that trick. Wish I could remember who!
Gemma says
Just make this and my husband and I loved it! The crust was very good and I think I will riff off it in the very near future! Next up is the low carb panini- can’t wait!
Carolyn says
Glad you liked it.