Monte Cristo Sandwich
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a classic American sandwich combining ham, turkey, and cheese dipped in egg batter and pan-fried to a crispy golden perfection, served with powdered sugar and jam for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread
- 4 slices cooked turkey breast (or cooked chicken breast as an alternative)
- 4 slices cooked chicken breast (optional, to mix with turkey)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or mozzarella as an alternative)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter or oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Raspberry or strawberry jam for serving
Instructions
- Start by laying out your bread slices on a clean surface. On one slice, layer a slice of turkey breast, a slice of chicken breast (if using), and a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat this for the remaining slices.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will be used to dip the sandwich, giving it a rich and crispy coating when cooked.
- Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Allow the excess batter to drip off before moving on to the next step.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Once hot, place the dipped sandwiches in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted inside.
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for a minute, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Shallow Bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
Notes
Use day-old bread if possible to prevent sogginess. For extra crispiness, lightly toast the bread before assembling. Cook sandwiches in batches to maintain heat and crispiness. You can customize the egg batter seasoning with nutmeg or smoked paprika. Substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer batter. Variations include different cheese and meat options, adding sweet touches like honey or maple syrup, and vegetarian or gluten-free versions.