Monte Cristo Recipe

Monte Cristo Recipe

This Monte Cristo Recipe is a golden and cheesy recipe, which is made with deli ham and Swiss cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Monte Cristo Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. dijon mustard
  • 12 slices white bread
  • 1 lb. thinly sliced deli ham (at least 18 slices)
  • 1 lb. thinly sliced Swiss cheese (at least 12 slices)
  • 3 Tbsp. salted butter
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 3/4 cup raspberry jam, for serving

How To Make a Monte Cristo

  1. Prep the oven and egg mixture: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) to keep the sandwiches warm. In a shallow dish large enough to fit a slice of bread, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and optional nutmeg.
  2. Make the spread: In a small bowl, stir the mayonnaise and dijon mustard together until well combined.
  3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the mayonnaise mixture on one side of each of the 12 bread slices. On 6 of the slices, layer 3 folded pieces of ham, followed by 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining 6 slices of bread, mayonnaise-side down.
  4. Cook the sandwiches: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Carefully dip 2 sandwiches into the egg mixture, coating both sides briefly—do not let them get soggy. Place the coated sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  5. Keep warm and repeat: Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a baking sheet and place them in the warm oven. Wipe out the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining butter and sandwiches until all are cooked.
  6. Serve: To serve, cut each sandwich in half diagonally. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam on the side for dipping.
Monte Cristo Recipe
Monte Cristo Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to prevent a soggy sandwich? The key is a quick dip in the egg batter. Don’t let the bread soak. A brief, even coating on both sides is all you need.
  • What’s the best bread for a Monte Cristo? A sturdy but soft white bread is traditional. Brioche or Challah are also excellent choices as their richness complements the other ingredients.
  • Why is my cheese not melting? Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat. Cooking on medium-low gives the cheese inside enough time to melt completely by the time the bread is perfectly golden brown.
  • Can I build the sandwiches ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches (without the egg dip) a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This can make the cooking process quicker.

What To Serve With a Monte Cristo

A Monte Cristo is very rich and satisfying, so it pairs best with simple sides. Consider serving it with a handful of french fries, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness, or a fresh fruit salad.

How To Store a Monte Cristo

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread will soften upon storing.
  • Reheat: For the best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven until warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.

Monte Cristo Nutrition Facts

  • Serving: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 780 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Sugar: 12g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Monte Cristo and a Croque Monsieur?

A Croque Monsieur is a French baked or fried ham and cheese sandwich, typically topped with béchamel sauce. A Monte Cristo is the American, more decadent version, which is dipped in an egg batter (like French toast) before being pan-fried.

Do I have to use raspberry jam for dipping?

No, while raspberry is the classic pairing, any sweet and tart jam like strawberry, red currant, or even apricot would be delicious.

Can I use other meats or cheeses?

Absolutely. Turkey is a common substitute for ham. For the cheese, Gruyère is a fantastic, traditional choice that melts beautifully. Provolone would also work well.

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Monte Cristo Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

780

kcal

The ultimate sweet and savory sandwich, featuring layers of ham and Swiss cheese, dipped in an egg batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with powdered sugar and jam.

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

  • 2 Tbsp. dijon mustard

  • 12 slices white bread

  • 1 lb. deli ham, thinly sliced

  • 1 lb. Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

  • 3 Tbsp. salted butter

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

  • Raspberry jam, for serving

Directions

  • Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and nutmeg in a shallow dish.
  • Combine mayonnaise and mustard; spread on one side of each bread slice.
  • Assemble sandwiches with 3 ham slices and 2 cheese slices each.
  • Dip sandwiches in the egg mixture, coating both sides.
  • Pan-fry in butter over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and melted.
  • Keep warm in a 200°F oven until all are cooked.
  • Dust with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam.

Notes

  • Use a sturdy white bread like brioche or challah that can hold up to the egg dip.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the sandwiches in batches for the best golden-brown crust.
  • The combination of mayonnaise and mustard adds a crucial savory, tangy layer that balances the sweetness.

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