This crispy golden Monte Cristo Sandwich recipe is sure to take your sandwich menu up a notch. A simple dusting of powdered sugar and some berry preserves on the side, and you're ready for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
Easy Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich? A monte cristo sandwich is a ham and cheese sandwich that's typically made with thick sliced white bread, dipped in a beaten egg mixture much like classic french toast. It's typically pan fried sometimes deep fried, until golden brown. The inside is stuffed with a heavenly combination of shredded cheese, mayo and Dijon with slices of ham sandwiched between. It's a real indulgence and a spectacular way to use thinly sliced leftover ham for another meal.
How to Make the Best Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
This crispy fried sandwich can be served at any meal whether it's for breakfast, brunch, lunch or supper.
- What bread is best for making Monte Cristo Sandwiches? I prefer a thick sliced white Italian bread for this recipe as it really soaks in the egg custard.
- Can I lighten up the sandwich? This isn't a light dish in any way shape or form. That being said, you may use 2% milk or low fat half and half in place of heavy cream. You can also sub 2% Swiss to lighten it just a smidge. Think of it as a treat.
- When choosing the best cheese think along the lines of specialty cheese for the filling. This is one moment in time that it's good to stray from classic cheddar and go for classic Swiss or Gruyere cheese instead.
- You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours in advance, then wrap in plastic wrap or place into an airtight container and into the refrigerator to chill. Don't dip them into the egg wash until you're ready to cook them.
- Can I fry Monte Cristo Sandwiches in advance? These sandwiches should be fried and eaten while warm they're not ideal as a make-ahead option. That said, if you're making several at one time and you don't have a griddle, cook the Monte Cristo Sandwiches in a large skillet then place onto a baking pan. Keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking in batches.
- This type of pan fried sandwich is typically served with plum, raspberry or cherry preserves on the side. Doing so gives it that sweet and salty combination that's so appealing. You can also serve them with maple syrup for dipping.
- You can also use leftover turkey to make a turkey monte cristo.
Other Easy Sandwich and Slider Recipes to Enjoy
There's no wrong time of day to make a sandwich for a handheld meal or snack on the run. A few other sub and sandwich recipes you may enjoy:
- A giant Fiesta Turkey Club Sub you can cut into wedges for serving
- Meatball Subs drizzled with marinara sauce
- Bacon Egg and Cheese Sub dressed with tomatoes and spinach
- The uber popular Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls
- Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese from Great Grub Delicious Treats
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 slices Italian bread ¾ inch thick slices
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 lb fully cooked deli or baked ham
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
- pinch ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoon butter additional as needed
- powdered sugar for dusting
- Plum, cherry or raspberry preserves for serving
Instructions
- Pair bread slices matching according to size.
- In a small bowl, mix together, cheese, mayonnaise and Dijon. Mix well. Spread cheese mixture on each piece of bread, dividing evenly.
- Divide ham into fourth's place on one piece cheese slathered bread then top with second bread slice.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, cream and nutmeg. Carefully dip each sandwich into egg wash coating well on both sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoon butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook two sandwiches at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Add more butter between batches.
- Serve immediately dusted with powdered sugar and preserves.
Notes
- I recommend using one of those fluffy, inexpensive loaves of Italian bread from the grocery store bakery for these sandwiches. It isn't always even from end to end so, pair like size pieces together before you start. You may also use Texas toast.
- You can substitute Gruyere or Fontina cheese in place of Swiss, if desired.
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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