We love a Monte Cristo sandwich! It’s a fried sandwich with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese and powdered sugar on top. It’s usually served with jam or syrup on the side. It’s a variation of the French croque-monsieur and is popular in American diners and cafes.
Where Did It Come From?
The Monte Cristo sandwich is basically an American take on the French croque-monsieur, which is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It started popping up in American cookbooks in the 1930s and was called a “French sandwich” or “toasted ham sandwich.”
By the 1950s and ‘60s, diners and cafes across the U.S. were serving it as the Monte Cristo. Disneyland made it even more famous when they put it on the menu at their Blue Bayou restaurant in the 1960s. It’s typically a breakfast or brunch item.
How to Make a Monte Cristo Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of white bread (something soft like brioche works great)
- 3 slices Swiss cheese
- 3 slices ham
- 3 slices turkey
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar
- Jam or syrup
Instructions:
- Lay out your bread slices.
- Spread mustard on one slice and mayonnaise on the other (optional).
- Place one slice of Swiss cheese on one piece of bread.
- Add a slice of ham and a slice of turkey on top.
- Put another slice of Swiss cheese on top of the meat.
- Close the sandwich with other slice of bread. Press it down slightly to hold everything together.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter.
- Dip both sides of the sandwich in the egg mixture, coating all sides. Let any excess drip off.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip carefully to keep everything intact. If needed, press it down slightly with a spatula to ensure even browning.
- Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, remove from the pan.
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute before cutting it in half.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam or maple syrup for dipping.
Tips:
- Use thick-cut bread so it holds up to frying.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the sandwich in the egg mixture before frying.
What Should You Serve It With?
- Fresh fruit like berries, grapes, or melon.
- Coleslaw.
- Potato chips or fries.
- Salad.
- Tomato soup.
FAQs
Is a Monte Cristo Sandwich Sweet or Savory?
Both. The combination of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese makes it savory. The powdered sugar and jam add a touch of sweetness.
Can I Make a Monte Cristo Sandwich Without Frying It?
Yes. You can bake it in the oven or cook it on a griddle like a grilled cheese sandwich.
What’s the Best Bread for a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
White bread is most common, but you can also use brioche, challah, or sourdough.
Is a Monte Cristo Sandwich the Same as a Croque-Monsieur?
No. A croque-monsieur is a French sandwich with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce. A Monte Cristo is dipped in an egg batter and fried.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! A perfect Monte Cristo, crispy, cheesy, and just the right amount of sweet.
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