Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

This delicious and easy-to-make Monte Cristo sandwich will leave you wanting more. The secret lies in its contrasting flavors and textures. The salty ham and creamy Provolone are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the powdered sugar and honey, while the bread, dipped in a rich egg bath, becomes crispy on the outside yet soft and fluffy on the inside.

Recipe developer Milena Manolova thinks you should make this sandwich because not only easy to make, but with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that will impress your friends and family. It's also a versatile sandwich that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Finally, it's simply delicious. The combination of flavors and textures is hard to resist. You'll find yourself craving it again and again.

So, if you're looking to level up your sandwich game without breaking a sweat, this Monte Cristo sandwich is the way to go. It's fancy enough to impress, but chill enough to enjoy in your PJs.

The ingredients you need for this recipe are wheat bread, mayo, Dijon mustard, ham (and/or turkey), Provolone cheese (Swiss or Gruyere can work too), egg, salt, black pepper, butter for frying the sandwiches, and last, but not least, honey and powder sugar. 

Spread mayo on 2 bread slices and mustard on the other 2 slices.

Put ham and cheese on 2 of the slices.

Place the other 2 bread slices on top.

In a bowl, whisk the egg with salt and black pepper and transfer the mixture to a large enough dish to fit each sandwich.

Melt butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.

Dip each sandwich, one at a time, into the egg.

Place the sandwiches on the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Transfer to a cutting board or a dish. Sprinkle powdered sugar and drizzle some honey on top. Enjoy while hot!

You can keep it classic with a side of crispy golden fries, or potato chips. For a healthier twist, opt for a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, the freshness of the greens provides a nice balance to the richness of the sandwich. If you're in a comfort food mood, tomato soup is a great option. The warm, savory goodness of the soup harmonizes with the sandwich, making it a comforting combo that never fails.

You can also pair the Monte Cristo with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or slices of juicy melon. A sour pickle is a great way to cut through the richness of the sandwich and add a tangy flavor. A sweet and creamy coleslaw is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with Monte Cristo. A creamy potato salad is a hearty and satisfying side dish that will help to fill you up. No matter what side dishes you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy your Monte Cristo sandwich!

If your Monte Cristo sandwich has already been cooked, it's best to store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent the bread from getting soggy. If you want to keep it for a longer period of time, the Monte Cristo can be frozen. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat it. Reheating in an oven or toaster oven is recommended for better texture. It's better to add the honey and powdered sugar after reheating to ensure they don't compromise the texture of the bread. Remember that while storing is an option, the Monte Cristo is at its prime when fresh and hot.

Traditionally, the Monte Cristo sandwich is made with a type of bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to the dipping and frying process while complementing the flavors of the sandwich. Using egg bread or Challah can be a great choice too. These slightly sweet, rich breads with a soft texture and eggy flavor add another dimension to the sandwich. With its buttery and tender crumb, brioche is another fantastic option. It lends a touch of sweetness to the Monte Cristo, enhancing the overall flavor.

You can also use classic white bread for a more straightforward version of the sandwich. Opt for a sturdy variety to prevent it from becoming too soggy during the cooking process. Sourdough bread can add a wonderful twist to the Monte Cristo sandwich. The tangy flavor of sourdough can provide a unique contrast to the savory ham, cheese, and sweet elements like powdered sugar and honey. When dipping the sourdough slices in the egg bath, be sure to coat them thoroughly. Sourdough can absorb liquid more slowly than other types of bread.