Who’s already looking forward for summer and everything that goes with it? I do, I do! I could just imagine myself going out on a picnic and grabbing my favorite diner meal. But since I can’t wait that longer anymore and the weather seems a tad fine, I’ll have to satisfy my craving with this homemade diner favorite – Monte Cristo Sandwich.
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
Monte Cristo Sandwich is a popular variation of the French Croque Monsieur (which will talk more about later) or in other words a ham and cheese sandwich that is dipped entirely in an egg batter and pan-fried until golden brown. In some areas though, it is served grilled and others would grill or broil the assembled bread. It is typically covered in powder sugar and served with berries, maple syrup or some preserves. You may find the savory and sweet combination weird, but trust me, this sandwich has it all balanced out.
What is the Difference Between a Croque Monsieur and a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
In my Valentine’s Day post, I shared with you guys this Croque Madame – another variation of Croque Monsieur. While Croque Madame is topped with a bechamel sauce, cheese and egg, Croque Monsieur on the other hand is filled with boiled ham slices then top with grated cheese, slightly salted and peppered and baked or fried before serving. You see the common theme here? Yes, ham and cheese! This Monte Cristo Sandwich on the other hand doesn’t have any bechamel sauce into it nor it’s topped with eggs. It is simply stuffed with ham and cheese, then dipped in an egg batter mixture and pan-fried. Some recipes would also add sliced turkey as a filling and even bacon. But what really makes this sandwich so special, are the finishing touches of powdered sugar and the raspberry preserves on the side. The sweet and savory combination is absolutely a spot on. So don’t be tempted to skip that part!
More Easy Sandwich Recipes
Chicken Salad Sandwich – made with chicken, sliced sweet grapes, crunchy pecans and celery in a creamy, vibrant mayo-based dressing. Cuban Sandwich – a delectable variation of grilled ham and cheese sandwich with other delicious ingredients like roasted pork and dill pickles. Muffaletta Sandwich – a New Orleans’ original Italian round sandwich stacked with layers upon layers of ham, mortadella, salami, cheese and it’s winning layer – the olive salad. Egg Salad Sandwich – rich, chunky egg salad infused with bright, fresh, sweet and savory flavors like mayo, curry powder, dill pickles, mustard, bacon, lettuce and tomatoes. French Toast – breakfast favorite made easier and tastier with a slightly sweetened vanilla custard and a touch of rum, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Since Monte Cristo Sandwich is on the rich side, I prefer to have a low-key side to go along with it like a fresh green salad (like this Strawberry Spinach Salad), fresh fruit, potato wedges (how about this fancy Hasselback Potatoes, eh?) or some veggies with dip. Sweet, savory, cheesy and buttery! Enjoy!
Tips and Notes:
Soften 1 tablespoon of butter and spread it lightly one side of the two slices of bread. Spread mustard on the unbuttered slice of bread. Assemble the bread by putting Swiss cheese on top of the buttered bread, followed by ham slices.
Then top the layer with the other slice of bread.
Carefully trim off crusts on all sides of the sandwich.
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, half and half, salt and pepper, ground nutmeg and flour.
Dip sandwich into the egg mixture and let the bread absorbs some of the liquid mixture
Then melt butter in a skillet and cook sandwich about 3-4 minutes per side until sandwich is golden brown and cheese melted. Serve with jam or jelly on the side or dust it off with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
