A Monte Cristo is a ‘levelled-up’ version of a grilled cheese. Layers of bread, ham, turkey, and swiss cheese are dipped in an egg batter, pan fried (or even deep fried) and dusted with powdered sugar!
This is a perfect lunch recipe or makes for a great easy dinner with a simple tossed salad.
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
How decadent is a Monte Cristo Sandwich? This fancy sandwich is kind of variation on the ‘croque-monsieur’, also known as a ‘French Sandwich.”
A Monte Cristo is basically a fried version of a ham and cheese slider. What distinguishes this sandwich recipe from others is that it is fried in a coating of whisked eggs & milk (a bit like french toast). This creates a velvety sandwich with a crisp coating that keeps the meat and cheese perfectly melted inside!
Layers of Cheese and Meat
So, what’s on a Monte Cristo sandwich? The best Monte Cristo Sandwich always starts with the best ingredients.
- Bread: White bread will seal the best, but you can always swap it out for sourdough, rye or even a dinner rolls in a pinch! Cut off the crusts (save them to make breadcrumbs).
- Mustard: Enhance the flavor with a dijon mustard or a spicy brown mustard along with the smear of mayonnaise. Make it your own and add your fave sauces.
- Meats: Traditionally we add ham and turkey. I love the texture of the thinly shaved deli meat but of course you can use leftover ham too!
- Cheese: This sandwich is traditionally made with Swiss Cheese, but you could sub in any cheese you have on hand. A nice Muenster, mozzarella or sharp cheddar would work well.
How to Make a Monte Cristo Sandwich
Making a Monte Cristo is all about the layers. Stack the cheese, meat, and bread and make sure to press it down to seal in all the ooey-gooey cheese! I use 3 slices of bread which takes longer to cook. Of course you can use just two slices more like you would when making a grilled cheese.
- Take two slices of bread and spread mayo on them. Place a slice of cheese and two slices of ham on one slice.
- Cover with another slice of bread and a swipe of mustard. Add two slices of turkey and another slice of cheese. Top with the last slice of bread.
To Cook a Monte Cristo:
- Seal & Press: I use a heavy pan to press the sandwich down to compress it. Don’t be shy, give it a good squish! Next, cut off the crusts to ‘seal’ the sandwich.
- Coat: Whisk together the milk, eggs and salt and pepper. Carefully dip the sandwich pieces into the batter.
- Fry: Place the battered sandwich onto the skillet and fry each side until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
You want the outside bread to be brown and crispy and the cheese to be fully melted. This is literally the best Monte Cristo sandwich you’ll ever have… it’s THAT good!
A really good Monte Cristo Sandwich will then be dusted with powdered sugar to offset the bolder and saltier flavors of the ham and cheese. It will usually have a little dollop of strawberry jam on the side, making it all the more decadent to eat!
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes:
- Club Sandwich – meat lovers delight!
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Zesty Slaw – delicious slow cooker recipe.
- Grilled Mac and Cheese Sandwich – two childhood favorites in one!
- Cucumber Sandwiches – perfect for a luncheon or tea.
- Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese – ready in 15 mins!
Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli ham or leftover ham
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard optional
- 4 slices deli sliced turkey or leftover turkey
- ½ cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Place 2 slices of bread on a cutting board. Spread mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Top with a slice of cheese, and 2 slices of ham. Add the second slice of bread and spread with a little bit of mustard if desired. Add 2 slices of turkey and a slice of cheese. Add the 3rd piece of bread.
- Using a cutting board or the bottom of a frying pan, gently press the sandwich. Cut off crusts (to help seal the sandwich).
- In a small bowl mix together milk, eggs and salt & pepper until combined. Dip sandwich into egg mixture.
- Preheat skillet over low heat and add butter. Add sandwich and cook 4-6 minutes. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more or until cooked through and melted.
- Dust with powdered sugar if using. Serve warm with strawberry jam.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Lunch
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Hi Holly I love Monte Cristos❣️ I’ve made them before but I usually cook one side of the dipped bread first, top it with the meat and cheese and then cook the other side. That way it’s “French Toast “ on the inside too. I only use two slices of bread and I pour warmed Pancake Syrup on mine. Does yours cook the same way on the other side of the bread? Sounds easier than mine I’m going to try it your way. I had one in San Antonio, TX and it had Scrambled Eggs in it!! Sooo good! Yours looks Delicious
I’ve never tried it that way Dottie, sounds interesting! We flip the sandwich partway through to crisp up both sides. Enjoy the Monte Cristo!
I enjoy your simple recipes
We dip ours in a raspberry or strawberry preserves………
I have made this recipe using standard white loaf bread. It will work must better with a thicker bread, like Brioche or French. With the standard white loaf I found keeping the crust on and letting the bread sit out over the night gives a crisper, more stable, and better presenting dish.
Over all it was super good and don’t forget the the Dijon béchamel sauce, if your not worried about your waist line.
Fantastic with raspberry jam …♥️
Wanted to make sandwiches for my wife and I but did not want to make the same boring meat and cheese on bread. I have not had a Monte Cristo for a long time. When I had it in the past it was always at a restaurant. I tried this recipe and the result was very good. The recipe was simple and easy to follow. Thanks for the great recipe.
Refreshing Recipes!!!!
Looks delicious.
Love it !!
This was good but I think when I make it again I will grill/toast the center bread before putting the sandwich together. The center was just too plain, soft bread for me.
Made this before it’s delicious! But if anyone doesn’t want to make it and go out to eat one .. best place Disneyland at the Blue Bayou there served lunch time only.. make sure you make lunch reservations
Thanks for the recommendation Yvonne!
I love cooking
So happy to hear that Ernie. Have fun in the kitchen!
I make this using 2 slices of bread. I use swiss and a nice sharp cheddar. Instead of a jam try serving with warm maple syrup.
Maple syrup? Kevin, you are a culinary genius! That sounds so good!
Love this sandwich always a favorite. As it says mustard optional, right never had mustard on any on mine.
Glad you enjoyed the recipe Cynthia!
Since I like mustard on ham, I put mustard on the ham side and mayo on the turkey side. Yum! I think it would have been crispier if fried in oil, but it was still tasty!
Yum, good idea Susan! Thanks for sharing.
I hope they love it Chichi!
H Holly, I am definitely going to try this. How well I remember the first time I had one at a sandwich shop, oh so good! Thanks for reminding me, it’s been too long.
I hope you love it Karen!
This is one of my favorite sandwiches…. sweet and savory perfection
Thanks Tisha!
Enjoy Tisha!
WOW! Stumbled across your blog and this recipe … I must say that this is MY KIND OF SANDWICH! One that I had never heard of … I love grilled cheese, but this takes it to another level. Definitely saving this to make soon!
I hope you love it Sally!
This is a delicious sandwich, so simple but it feels incredibly decadent. Thanks for sharing this, definitely a new lunch go to.
Thanks so much Mikayla!
Thanks for introducing us to this recipe! Now we love making these at home – delicious!
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe!