Looking for the ultimate decadent sandwich? Look no further, a Monte Cristo has all of the classic American diner flavors: sweet, salty, cheesy, and indulgent. Frying the whole battered sandwich creates a gooey pocket of cheese, which is perfectly satisfying when combined with the salty ham and sweet jam. It’s our favorite way to upgrade any weeknight dinner and satisfy our sweet-salty craving in the very best way. New to making Monte Cristo sandwiches at home? Keep reading on for everything you need to know:
What is a Monte Cristo?
A Monte Cristo is a decadent sandwich that can be found in most diners across America, Disneyland, and state fairs. The sandwich is filled with Swiss cheese, ham, turkey, and Dijon mustard. It’s then dipped in a French toast batter, shallow-fried, and served dusted with confectioners’ sugar and a side of jam. Classically, it’s served with raspberry jam, but you can switch it up with strawberry if you prefer!
How To Make A Monte Cristo Sandwich
INGREDIENTS
- Eggs: A Monte Cristo sandwich gets the French toast treatment, so we need to make an egg and milk batter. This will help give the bread that classic, slightly crispy on the outside, spongy on the inside texture with a lightly eggy flavor.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk is the best option for this French toast batter, as it has enough fat and richness to really get the job done.
- Kosher Salt: A bit of salt helps balance out the sweeter elements of the sandwich and gives the French toast batter more dimension. A little goes a long way, though.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard has a stronger, more complex flavor than yellow mustard, with a sharp bite and strong aroma. It pairs perfectly here with the sweetness of the raspberry preserves and powdered sugar, as well as the meaty saltiness of the ham and turkey.
- White Sandwich Bread: A classic white sandwich bread is the best choice here. It soaks up the French toast batter very well and holds up to the other elements of the sandwich once shallow-fried.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is a sweet, nutty cheese that is perfect when a milder cheese is called for.
- Deli Ham & Turkey: This classic combo brings a meaty, salty center to this sweet, indulgent sandwich. The richness of the ham is offset by the lighter turkey, and both are highlighted by the French toast encasing them.
- Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is the best option here, as salted butter can make the French toast taste salty and throw off the balance of the sandwich.
- Confectioners’ Sugar & Raspberry Preserves: Monte Cristo sandwiches are traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a slathering of raspberry preserves, but feel free to change things up as you like. Worried that the powdered sugar will make things too sweet? Leave it off. Want to change up the raspberry? A strawberry or plum jam would be a welcome swap.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
For a Monte Cristo, we are essentially building a sandwich and then French toast-ifying it. Since this recipe is for 4 sandwiches, we’re going to need to preheat the oven to keep the first sandwiches warm while the rest finish frying. As the oven heats, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt until well combined.
Then, spread a thin layer of mustard on one side of each slice of bread and layer half of the bread slices with cheese, ham, turkey, and another slice of cheese, then close the sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread.
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat butter until melted and then, working 2 at a time, dip the sandwiches into the French toast batter until well coated and then place them into the skillet to cook. Cook the sandwiches, turning once, for about 4 to 6 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. Transfer the first 2 sandwiches to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm, and repeat this process with the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter and sandwiches.
Divide all of the sandwiches between plates and dust with confectioners’ sugar, then serve alongside raspberry preserves.
The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.
Recipe Tips
- Make your favorite variation. This sandwich can have a few different variations: some like it deep-fried, others with crunchy toppings added, but this recipe follows the most common and easiest technique. A nonstick pan is ideal for shallow frying, but if you have a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, that will work perfectly as well.
- Keep an eye on the sandwiches and don’t walk away from them! You’re essentially making a stuffed French toast, so you want to make sure to get a beautifully golden brown crust.
What To Serve With A Monte Cristo Sandwich
You can’t get better than a classic sandwich + chips combo, but we also love this sandwich paired with homemade French fries, tzatziki potato salad, or our strawberry spinach salad.
Storage
These sandwiches are definitely made to be eaten right away; however, they can be kept safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in a skillet or in the oven to maintain as much of the original texture and sandwich integrity as possible. You could also build the sandwiches 1 to 2 days ahead of time and wait to dip them in the egg batter and fry them until you are ready to serve.
