Monte Cristo Sandwich
The Monte Cristo Sandwich is a fun twist on a classic ham and cheese sandwich that’s dipped in egg batter and grilled to golden perfection. It’s got melty cheese, savory…
Tip: save now, cook later.The Monte Cristo Sandwich is a fun twist on a classic ham and cheese sandwich that’s dipped in egg batter and grilled to golden perfection. It’s got melty cheese, savory ham, and a touch of sweetness when paired with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a side of jelly. The crispy outside with the gooey inside is what makes this sandwich really special.
I love making Monte Cristo sandwiches when I want something a little different but still totally satisfying. It feels like a special treat without much extra effort—just whip up the egg batter, grill it until crispy, and then decide if you want a little sweet with your savory. I always enjoy it best with a side of raspberry jam for dipping; it adds a nice contrast that surprises you in the best way.
This sandwich brings back memories of lazy weekend brunches or casual dinners with friends when I want to impress without stress. It’s one of those meals everyone seems to love, whether kids or adults, because it’s warm, filling, and has just enough of a twist to keep things interesting. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a new favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick white bread like Texas toast works best because it holds up to dipping in the egg mixture without falling apart. You can try brioche or challah for a richer flavor.
Ham: Regular deli ham is great for that classic taste. If you want something smoky, try smoked turkey or even cooked bacon slices as a twist.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss melts beautifully and has a mild nutty flavor. Gruyère or mozzarella are good substitutes if you want a slightly different but still gooey cheese.
Egg Mixture: The eggs and milk create a custard-like coating that crisps during frying. If you want to skip the Dijon mustard, it won’t affect the sandwich much—it just adds a subtle tang.
Powdered Sugar & Jam: These add a sweet contrast to the savory sandwich. If you’re not into sweet, you can skip the powdered sugar and serve with honey mustard or plain mustard instead.
How Do I Get a Crispy, Golden Crust Without Overcooking the Inside?
The key is managing the heat and cooking time carefully. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat your pan to medium, not too hot, so the outside browns slowly and evenly.
- Butter your pan well to promote even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Dip your sandwich fully in the egg mixture, but don’t let it soak too long or the bread will get soggy.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping gently with a spatula.
- If your pan is too hot, the bread may burn before the cheese melts—lower the heat if needed.
- You can cover the pan briefly towards the end to help melt the cheese without burning the crust.
With a little patience, you’ll get that perfect balance of crispy outside and melty inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – perfect for cooking the sandwich evenly without sticking or burning.
- Shallow bowl – great for whisking the egg and milk mixture and dipping your sandwich.
- Spatula – helps flip the sandwich gently to keep its shape and get an even golden crust.
- Whisk or fork – for mixing the eggs and milk smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board – for layering and slicing the sandwich before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ham for turkey or roast beef for a different protein twist that still melts well.
- Try a sharp cheddar or gruyère instead of Swiss for a richer cheese flavor.
- Add sliced tomatoes or fresh spinach inside for a fresh, slightly tangy bite.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or mayonnaise on the bread before layering for an extra zing.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread (thicker-cut like Texas toast preferred)
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
For the Egg Batter:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Cooking and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Raspberry or strawberry jam, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes assembling the sandwiches and whisking the egg batter, plus about 3-4 minutes per side while cooking each sandwich until golden and melty.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sandwiches:
Lay out 4 slices of bread. On each slice, layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Top each with another slice of bread to make a sandwich.
2. Make the Egg Batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
3. Cook the Sandwiches:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each sandwich into the egg batter, coating both sides thoroughly, and let excess drip off. Place sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Add more butter to the skillet as needed between batches.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place on a serving plate. Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with raspberry or strawberry jam on the side for dipping or spreading. Enjoy this warm, delicious treat!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for the Monte Cristo Sandwich?
Yes, you can use frozen bread, but make sure to thaw it completely before assembling your sandwiches. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture evenly without becoming too soggy.
Can I Make the Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the sandwiches up to a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. However, for best results, dip in the egg batter and cook just before serving to maintain that crispy, golden crust.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the crust crispy, or warm briefly in the microwave if short on time.
What Are Good Substitutes for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, try Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar. Each melts well and offers a slightly different flavor that still complements the ham and sweet accents nicely.