This delicious Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe features ham, turkey, and Swiss Cheese between two slices of white bread dipped in egg batter and fried golden brown in a skillet. For a traditional sandwich, serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of jam for a sweet-and-savory combination.
This delicious and easy sandwich is a family favorite and a great brunch recipe. It takes just a few minutes to make and is so yummy. This recipe is very similar to the one on the menu at Disneyland in California, but it is pan-fried instead of deep-fried.
For a fun and tasty tradition, serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar and strawberry or raspberry jam for dipping. Pick an excellent, hearty white bread that would hold up well when made into French toast. If you like this sandwich, try ham and cheese sliders, ham and cheese pinwheels, and scalloped potatoes and ham.
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
A Monte Cristo sandwich is a ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese sandwich dipped into egg batter or custard and deep-fried. It is almost like eating a grilled cheese sandwich, with all the goodies inside sandwiched between French Toast.
It is traditionally served with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a side of strawberry or raspberry jam.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Nutmeg: I like to use just a pinch for subtle flavor, but you can omit it if you do not like nutmeg.
- Bread: challah, brioche, or sourdough bread
- Mustard: dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard, or yellow mustard
- Cheese: Gruyere or Swiss
- Deli meat: I like to use a combination of sliced ham and turkey. I think the flavor is superior with both meats.
- Powdered sugar: also known as confectioners’ sugar. Just a little sprinkle to make it a traditional Monte Cristo.
- Jam: strawberry or raspberry jam for the game changer.
How to Make a Monte Cristo Sandwich
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
First, whisk the eggs, milk, nutmeg, and salt together. Assemble the sandwiches and melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip both sides of the sandwiches in the egg mixture.
Then, fry them in the butter, turning to brown on both sides; melt the cheese; and heat the ham and turkey. Serve in a traditional style, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of strawberry or raspberry jam.
Preparation Tips
- Inevitably, some egg batter will get on the rest of the sandwich when dunking it, so be sure to cover the skillet with a loose piece of aluminum foil after a few minutes. This will help to ensure that any egg batter that clung to the meat or cheese cooks through.
- Monte Cristo sandwiches are best served promptly. When making multiple sandwiches, place the ones already pan-fried on an ovenproof plate and warm them in the oven while you finish cooking the others.
- This is a large filling sandwich, so it could easily feed two people.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t like Swiss Cheese, replace it with mozzarella, provolone, Muenster, or Gruyere. As long as it melts well and you want the taste, go for it.
Most Monte Cristos are deep-fried, but this recipe calls for pan-frying, like French toast. Cover the pan with a loose piece of aluminum foil to ensure the egg mixture cooks through.
Monte Cristos are best served promptly. However, you can assemble the sandwiches in advance and cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Remove the sandwiches from the fridge 30-40 minutes before starting the recipe.
More Sandwich Recipes
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk preferably whole or 2%
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 slices white bread like brioche or challah
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli turkey
- 4 slices deli ham
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam optional
Instructions
- In a wide bowl, whisk your eggs, milk, nutmeg, and salt together.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on 2 bread slices and 1 tablespoon mustard on the other 2 bread slices. Place one piece of Swiss Cheese on each slice of bread covered with mustard. Layer each mayonnaise slice with 2 slices ham and 2 slices turkey. Bring the pieces of bread together to form 2 full sandwiches. Using a cutting board, gently compress the sandwich a bit.
- Now melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides.
- Add the sandwich to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Cover the pan with a loose piece of aluminum foil to make sure the cheese melts, and any egg mixture cooks through.
- If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a side of strawberry or raspberry jam.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Ben
Call me The Count because I’d live off Monte Cristos if I could. I make them all the time, and your recipe is definitely one of the best I’ve made in some time. Delicious.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Ben! So glad that you enjoyed it
Merideth
This recipe looks sooooo good. I love a good Monte Cristo but have always been intimidated to make one. This recipe gives me the step-by-step direction I need to make my first attempt! Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Meredith! Enjoy!
Ross
I made this sandwich for lunch today and it was the best monte cristo I’ve ever had! Definitely adding to my regular rotation!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ross! So glad that you liked it!
Carrie
Oh mannnnn..this is a great monte cristo recipe. I absolutely love that it is not deep fried but it still tastes so delicious. I don’t like all that mess in my kitchen. So much easier too. Thanks for the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Carrie.
Lubna
This is my new favorite sandwich recipe. I like it so much better than the deep fried version of this sandwich. Less mess, less calories, and it tastes so much better.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lubna! So glad that you liked the sandwich.
Karlie
I loved this rendition of the classic sandwich! I used veggie deli slices to make this vegetarian and it was awesome.
Traci
This monte cristo sandwich is comfort food perfection! It’s so much easier to make than I thought. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Traci!
Pamela Robinson
Can I use a thin wheat bread like Sara Lee whole grain in place of the white? We don’t eat white bread but I really want to try this. I’ve never had the Monte Cristo sandwich, although I’ve heard of it.
Beth Pierce
I do not recommend any thin bread as the bread soaks up the eag mixture like French Bread. I have only every used white bread so I can not speak as to different types of bread.
Janey
Oh wow what a delicious, easy, and tasty, sandwich. Thank you for your recipes and tips on how to create this! I will make it again.
Sandra
I tried it and turned out really amazing! Can’t wait to make it again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra! So glad that you liked it.