Elevate your sandwich game with the Monte Cristo Sandwich, a gourmet delight blending rich Gruyère, savory ham, and mustard, nestled in egg-dipped bread, dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry jam.
I know that usually, when you think of a “breakfast” sandwich, you think of eggs, bacon, and cheese on an English muffin-type thing, right? Those are fine, but very ordinary.
Make your breakfast extraordinary with a toasty warm Monte Cristo sandwich. Seriously, you guys, what’s not to love? It’s like French toast stuffed with a perfect ham, cheese, and fancy mustard sandwich, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a side of berry jam.
Table of Contents
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
The Monte Cristo sandwich, a unique and delicious twist on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich, is known for its combination of savory and sweet flavors. It became popular across the U.S. in the early 1900s, reaching iconic status with Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Restaurant version in the 1960s.
It’s essentially a variation of the French Croque-Monsieur. The key ingredients typically include ham, cheese (like Gruyere or Swiss), and sometimes turkey. This delightful medley is sandwiched between bread slices, which are then dipped in an egg batter, similar to French toast.
Reasons to Love This Sandwich
- Crispy, golden exterior from grilling, provides a satisfying crunch to this sandwich.
- This sandwich is versatile and you can serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
- The combination of ham and cheese on this Monte Cristo sandwich recipe offers classic, comforting flavors.
Recipe Ingredients
- Gruyere Cheese: Offers a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Ham: Brings a savory, salty taste and a tender texture.
- Mustard (stone ground or Dijon): Provides a sharp, tangy kick.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Sandwich Filling Options
- Fruits: Adding fruits like strawberries, apple slices, and raspberry preserves to the Monte Cristo sandwich brings a delightful mix of flavors.
- Cheese: Experiment with cheese variations like Brie for a creamy and mild taste. Cheddar adds a tangy punch, and a slice of Swiss cheese provides a sweet, nutty taste.
- Meats: You can choose from turkey slices, ham slices, salami, or deli ham to transform your Monte Cristo sandwich into a decadent delight, blending lean, spicy, and sweet flavors.
- Condiments: Choose from mayonnaise, honey mustard, maple syrup, and pesto as condiments for this sandwich recipe.
How to Make a Monte Cristo
Step #1: Lay a slice of bread on a cutting board and top with one-quarter (1 ½ ounces) of the shredded cheese. Place half of the ham (3 ounces) on top of the cheese and smear with 1 teaspoon of mustard. Top with another quarter of the cheese, then a second piece of bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, cheese, meat, and mustard to form a second sandwich.
Step #2: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Mix the beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl. Use both hands to pick up a completed sandwich and dip both sides into the egg mixture.
Step #3: Add the soaked sandwich to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and repeat the dipping and grilling process with the second sandwich. Slice each sandwich on the diagonal. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a side of jam.
Expert Tips
- Infuse the Egg Mixture: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the egg mixture can introduce a subtle warmth and spice.
- Perfect Flipping Practice: Use a wide spatula to flip the sandwich. This provides better support and helps in flipping it smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use challah or brioche, both of which offer a slightly sweet flavor and a soft, rich texture.
If a skillet is not available, using a pan over medium-low heat is an excellent alternative. This method ensures a golden brown crust without burning and evenly melted cheese inside.
Storage Info
Store any leftover Monte Cristo sandwiches in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in aluminum foil, or placed in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days. Freezing isn’t recommended as the bread may become soggy when thawed.
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
More Sandwich Recipes That You’ll Love
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices white bread
- 6 ounces Gruyere cheese - shredded
- 6 ounces thinly sliced ham
- 2 teaspoons stone ground or dijon mustard
- 2 eggs - lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar and raspberry jam for serving
Instructions
- Lay a slice of bread on a cutting board and top with one-quarter (1 ½ ounces) of the shredded cheese. Place half of the ham (3 ounces) on top of the cheese and smear with 1 teaspoon of mustard. Top with another quarter of the cheese, then a second piece of bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, cheese, meat, and mustard to form a second sandwich.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Mix the beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl. Use both hands to pick up a completed sandwich and dip both sides into the egg mixture.
- Add the soaked sandwich to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and repeat the dipping and grilling process with the second sandwich. Slice each sandwich on the diagonal. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a side of jam.
NOTES
Nutrition
Made the sandwich and had it with the jam on the side. Definitely not something I’d usually make, but I kind of liked it.