Introduction

The Monte Cristo Sandwich is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, combining ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between slices of bread, then dipped in an egg batter and fried to golden perfection. This indulgent sandwich is perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or a comforting meal any time of day.

A close-up view of a grilled sandwich cut in half and stacked. The sandwich has two layers of golden brown toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture, showing some melted butter on top. Between the bread layers, there are thin slices of pink ham and a creamy white sauce with a smooth texture. A light sprinkling of powdered sugar is dusted on the top of the sandwich and scattered around it. The sandwich sits on a dark plate, resting on a white marbled surface in soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices of white bread
4 slices of ham
4 slices of turkey
4 slices of Swiss cheese
2 large eggs
1/4 cup of milk
A pinch of salt and pepper
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Raspberry jam (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the sandwiches by placing 2 slices of ham, 2 slices of turkey, and 2 slices of Swiss cheese between two slices of white bread for each sandwich. Press them gently to compact and trim the crusts if you prefer.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Step 3: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 4: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
Step 5: Place the egg-soaked sandwiches into the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter.
Step 7: Dust the sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar, slice them diagonally, and serve warm with raspberry jam for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread instead of white bread.
Try adding a slice of Dijon mustard inside the sandwich for a tangy twist.
For a crispier crust, cook the sandwich on medium-low heat to allow the inside to warm without burning the bread.
Use maple syrup instead of raspberry jam for a sweeter dipping option.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A toasted sandwich cut in half stacked one on top of the other, showing three layers: the top and bottom layers are thick slices of golden-brown toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture and light airy holes, sprinkled with powdered sugar, while the middle layer contains thin, light pink slices of ham folded with a glossy, smooth layer of melted cheese beneath. The sandwich rests on a dark textured surface with scattered powdered sugar around it, and in the background, a blurred white bowl with a reddish sauce is visible, all set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Monte Cristo Sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate them before dipping and cooking. However, it’s best to cook and serve them fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?

Absolutely. Substitute the ham and turkey with grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers or use a plant-based deli slice and your favorite cheese to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 118 reviews

A classic Monte Cristo Sandwich featuring layers of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese sandwiched between toasted, egg-dipped bread, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and served with raspberry jam for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

4 slices of white bread
4 slices of ham
4 slices of turkey
4 slices of Swiss cheese

Egg Mixture

2 large eggs
1/4 cup of milk
A pinch of salt and pepper

For Cooking and Serving

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Raspberry jam (for serving)

Instructions

Assemble the sandwiches: For each sandwich, layer 2 slices of ham, 2 slices of turkey, and 2 slices of Swiss cheese between two slices of white bread. Press gently to compact and trim the crusts if preferred.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
Melt butter: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
Dip and coat sandwiches: Dip each assembled sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are thoroughly coated but not overly saturated to avoid sogginess.
Cook the sandwiches: Place the egg-coated sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Drain excess butter: Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess butter.
Finish and serve: Lightly dust the sandwiches with powdered sugar, slice them diagonally, and serve hot with a side of raspberry jam for dipping to enjoy a sweet and savory combination.

Notes

Pressing the sandwiches before dipping them helps keep the layers intact during cooking.
Use fresh bread to prevent it from falling apart when dipped in the egg mixture.
For a crispier texture, use a non-stick skillet and moderate heat to avoid burning.
Powdered sugar can be adjusted based on sweetness preference or omitted if desired.
Raspberry jam complements the sandwich by balancing the saltiness with a sweet tart flavor.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, ham and turkey sandwich, fried sandwich, Swiss cheese sandwich, brunch recipes, savory and sweet sandwich