Discover the ultimate Monte Cristo Sandwich recipe, perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch. This classic sandwich combines layers of Swiss cheese, deli turkey, and ham between slices of soft white bread, all dipped in a rich egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection. Serve it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of strawberry jam for an irresistible sweet and savory experience. Ideal for anyone craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal, this recipe uses simple ingredients and offers variations to suit every taste.

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What Is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?

A Monte Cristo sandwich is a delightful combination of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, nestled between two slices of bread, dipped in egg batter, and then fried to golden perfection. Often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and accompanied by a side of berry preserves, it’s a delicious sweet and savory treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a hearty lunch.

The Origin of the Monte Cristo Sandwich

The Monte Cristo sandwich is believed to have originated from the classic French croque-monsieur, which is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly at diners and restaurants, where it was often deep-fried. The name “Monte Cristo” may be derived from the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas, suggesting a culinary twist on the classic French dish.

What Is the Best Bread for Monte Cristo Sandwich?

The best bread for a Monte Cristo sandwich is one that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold up to the fillings and egg batter. Options like brioche, challah, or a thick white bread work wonderfully, as they add a touch of sweetness and a rich texture that complements the savory filling.

How to Prep This Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe in Advance

To prep ahead, assemble the sandwiches and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture and fry as instructed. Alternatively, you can make the egg mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipes – Variations to Try

Vegetarian Monte Cristo: Substitute the meats with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers, and use a different cheese like cheddar or gouda.
Sweet Monte Cristo: Add slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas to the filling for a sweeter twist.
Spicy Monte Cristo: Incorporate pepper jack cheese and add jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.

How to Serve a Monte Cristo

Serve the Monte Cristo sandwich hot, cut in half or quarters for easy eating. Accompany it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a small bowl of berry preserves or maple syrup for dipping. Pair with a side of mixed greens or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Tips

Avoid Sogginess: Make sure to not soak the bread too long in the egg mixture; a quick dip is enough.
Keep Warm: If making multiple sandwiches, keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or even a mix to find your perfect flavor combination.
Add Seasoning: Consider adding herbs or spices to the egg mixture for added flavor, such as nutmeg or garlic powder.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Enjoy this delicious Monte Cristo sandwich, featuring layers of turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a rich egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch or a cozy lunch, serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and your favorite jam for a delightful sweet and savory experience.

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 slices white bread (brioche or challah recommended)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices deli turkey
4 slices deli ham
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a wide bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, nutmeg, and salt.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on two slices of bread and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard on the other two slices. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each mustard-covered bread slice. Layer the mayonnaise-coated slices with 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of turkey each. Press the sandwich halves together gently on a cutting board.
Cook the Sandwiches:
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Place the sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to ensure the cheese melts and the egg mixture cooks through.
Serve:
If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a side of strawberry or raspberry jam.

Notes

Bread Choice: Use good quality white bread that is not too thick or too thin. Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread is a great option.
Deli Meat: Thin-cut deli ham and turkey work best. Boars Head is an excellent brand, but any high-quality meat will do.
Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t like Swiss cheese, try mozzarella, provolone, Muenster, or Gruyere—any cheese that melts well and suits your taste.
Cooking Tip: Some egg batter may cling to the meat or cheese during dipping, so cover the skillet with aluminum foil to ensure thorough cooking.
Serving Suggestion: Monte Cristo sandwiches are best served immediately. For multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in an ovenproof dish in a warm oven while you finish cooking the others.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.