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. The sandwich is traditionally served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of jam for a sweet and savory combination.
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 raspberry jam.
The Best Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
This delicious and easy sandwich is a family favorite and a great brunch recipe. They take just a few minutes to make and are 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 a good hearty white bread that would hold up well being made into French toast. However, you don’t want it too thick as the whole sandwich will be dipped in the egg mixture and put into the frying pan.
How to make a Monte Cristo Sandwich
Start by whisking your eggs, milk, nutmeg, and salt in a shallow mixing bowl. Next, spread a little mayo on one slice of bread and a little mustard on the other. Now, place a slice of Swiss Cheese on each side of the bread. Then layer one side with ham and turkey. Bring the bread slices together to form a whole sandwich. Use a cutting board to compress the sandwich a bit gently.
Now, melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip the sandwich in the egg batter, being sure to wet 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 ensure the cheese melts and any egg mixture cooks through. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry preserves or maple syrup.
Recipe tips
- Choose a good-quality white bread that is neither too thick nor too thin. I like to use Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread for this sandwich, but any good-quality white bread will suffice.
- I like to use thin-cut deli ham and turkey for Monte Cristo sandwiches. The Boars Head brand is excellent, but any good-quality meat will work fine.
- If you don’t like Swiss Cheese, replace it with mozzarella, provolone, Muenster, or Gruyere. As long as it melts well and you like the taste of it, go for it.
- Inevitably, some egg batter will get on the rest of the sandwich when dunking it, so be sure to cover the skillet after a few minutes with a loose piece of aluminum foil. 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 place them in a warm oven while you finish cooking the others.
- This is a large filling sandwich, so it could easily feed two people.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cheeses to use on a Monte Cristo Sandwich
Traditionally, Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese is used in a Monte Cristo sandwich, but not everyone likes the unique flavor of Swiss cheese, including my son. You can use any cheese that melts well and tastes good with ham and turkey.
- Mozzarella
- Pepper Jack
- American
- Provolone
- Muenster
- Havarti
- Fontina
- Monterey Jack
More Sandwich Recipe
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk preferably whole or 2%
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 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 confectioners sugar and serve with a side of strawberry or raspberry jam.
Notes
- Choose a good quality white bread that is not too thick nor too thin. For this sandwich, I like to use Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread, but any good quality white bread will suffice.
- I like to use thin-cut deli ham and turkey for Monte Cristo sandwiches. The Boars Head brand is excellent, but any good-quality meat will work just fine.
- If you don’t like Swiss Cheese, replace it with mozzarella, provolone, Muenster, or Gruyere. As long as it melts well and you like the taste of it, go for it.
- Inevitably some egg batter will get on the rest of the sandwich when dunking it, so be sure to cover the skillet after a few minutes with a loose piece of aluminum foil. 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 made on an ovenproof plate and place them in a warm oven while you finish cooking the others.
- This is a large filling sandwich, so it could easily feed two people.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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Ellen
I love your recipes, Beth! This one was particularly delicious and I loved that it was not deep fried. It tastes even better without all that oil and so much easier to make.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ellen! I am so glad that you like the sandwich!
Ned
The best sandwich I have had in quite some time. A nice change from the standard ham and cheese. I will definately make this again.
Catherine
Great sandwich! We loved it. So much flavor. I served it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and strawberry jam. I can’t wait to make it again./
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Catherine! So glad that you all liked it!
Renee
This recipe is the best. It was easy and it made my taste buds dance. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy K
This monte cristo sandwich was delicious and a lot lighter than the deep fried version.
Mary
Tasty recipe. Made this for dinner last night and it turned out great. Do not soak the sandwich too long in the egg dip do it very quickly or it will be too much!
Lisa C
We’ve made these several times now. Definitely a family favorite!! Thanks for the recipe, Beth.
Jack
My new favorite weekend sandwich. Made it for my brother and he loved it too. I love this non deep fried version. Thank you for sharing!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Jack!
Jack
What a delicious sandwich. So nice to make it without all the mess from deep frying. I love to dip mine in raspberry jam.
Leslie
I am a huge fan of breakfast sandwiches and this recipe is just perfection!! Loving the flavors in this!
Gerry
Your Monte Cristo sandwich recipe was so delicious. I am going to make it again this weekend for my best friend. I know he will like it.
Grasyah
This was so yummy! Fairly easy to make without all the mess of deep frying. Thank you for sharing!!
Miss Sonia
Now this is what I call a sandwich! I’ll have it for breakfast and lunch and will not get tired of it. so delicious, omg.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Miss Sonia! I am so glad that you liked the Monte Cristo Sandwich!
Natalie
I’ve never heard of a Monte Cristo sandwich before! I need to switch up my sandwiches, I keep making the same recipe. Thank you for the inspiration.
Susan
These sandwiches are so delicious! Thank you for the extra tip of covering loosely with tin foil. I’ll be making many more. Yum.
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.
Claudia Krusch
I love a good Monte cristo sandwich! This one is excellent. A must try if you love the sandwich.
Star
I have always wanted to know how a Monte Cristo sandwich was made. I have heard the name for years, but never actually had one.
Yeah Lifestyle
This is delicious and crispy and easy to make. I had never made this sandwich before but it is now a firm favourite!
Celebrate Woman Today
I want to make this sandwich asap! Looks delish. Such a great spin on different sandwich traditions!
Monidipa
Your Monte Cristo sandwich recipe is a winner! The way you described the perfect balance of flavors between the sweet and savory ingredients had me drooling. Can’t wait to try making this delightful sandwich myself. Thanks for sharing your culinary expertise!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Monidipa! Enjoy!
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
Oh, my taste buds are already celebrating! 🥪🧀 Your Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe sounds absolutely mouthwatering. The combination of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and the egg-battered bread sounds like pure indulgence. And the sweet touch of powdered sugar and jam is a delightful twist. Love how you’ve even thought of pairing it with a garden salad or other refreshing sides for a balanced and satisfying meal. Can’t wait to try this culinary masterpiece!
Luna S
Looking at the photos is making me hungry! This looks delicious. I think I know what I am making for dinner tonight!!!
Catalina
Such a rich and delicious sandwich! One of my absolute favorites. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
Nadalie
Ohhh I love this sandwich. This is one of my favorite recipes and easy to make without all that deep frying.
Rhian Scammell
I had no idea what this sandwich was to begin with but it sounds right up my street. I love the idea of egg dunking the bread to toast it, I bet it tastes so nice x
Marysa
I’ve never had this sandwich before. It would definitely be a fun idea for something different to make at home!
Sam
Great monte cristo sandwich without all the mess from deep frying. We will make these again and again. We loved them!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sam! So glad that you liked them!
Karen
Great monte cristo recipe. It was delicious and a great alternative to the deep fried version. Much tastier and healthier.
Erin
I love this monte cristo sandwich. All the great flavors without the fried mess. I should have thought of this.
Nancie Malmquist
Rather than traditional powdered sugar I drizzle habernaro honey on top!
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip! It sounds delicious!
Jeff
I love Monte Cristo sandwiches. I usually make them in a sandwich press but the skillet version is better.
Beth Pierce
Glad that you liked it Jeff!
Joan
All I can say is this sandwich was amazing! My family inhaled it!
Heather Johnson
i made this with provolone and it was delicious!!!
Lima Ekram
Love the tip about using foil to seal the pan so that all the egg cooks through! Learned something new today! What a delicious recipe!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how easy this recipe is. It’s perfect for our family!
Sharon
Monte Cristo sandwiches are so good! The combination of salty hame, gooey cheese, and sweet jam is sandwich perfection.
Heather Johnson
Sara Lee Artesano is the bomb! my favorite “grilled cheese” bread and this was really delicious
Sam
I have everything I need for this dish, can’t wait to make it this weekend!
Anjali
This is one of my favorite brunch recipes and your version looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make it this weekend!
Patsy Hill
I’m going to try this but do you put the two sandwiches together to fry them or do you fry 2 sandwiches.
Beth Pierce
You fry two sandwiches.
Judy
havent tried it yet but looks so good! my thought was so you dont have to deal with any uncooked egg,,why not make the french toast bread part first lightly fried and then putting the sandwich together and frying it a little longer to melt the cheese and toast the outside longer? you can cook it well on the inside part of the sandwich bread and lightly cook the other side and finish it off after the sandwich is put together! that way it wont get steamed with a cover on to finish the egg cuz it will be cooked already 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip.
Chef Lyssa
I LOVE your tip, Judy, I’ve been thinking of trying it that way for quite a long time, I think I’ll finally give it a shot!
I typically make a very thick pancake batter and dip the sandwich in that, then fry in HOT shortening, they’re ABSOLUTELY AMAZING (and the outcome is exactly Iike the Original Monte Cristo from BENNIGANS! Which sadly closed all of its locations in our area of the country MANY, MANY YEARS AGO, more than 20 YEARS AGO!😢😢😢). However, this method is very time consuming, soooo messy and incredibly DANGEROUS! I burned myself badly making them about a year ago, my hands, forearm, chest and stomach, it was incredibly PAINFUL AND I HAVE SCARS to prove it, (unfortunately). I’m a very skilled, experienced cook, I’ve worked as a chef, so if I can hurt myself like that, most ANYONE CAN…
I have made it successfully since, but I tried to make it last week and had the biggest DISASTER EVER! The oil wasn’t hot enough and it just soaked that shortening up like a sponge and it tasted awful! (There were a number of things against me, it just wasn’t the right time, I guess…). Sadly, I tossed the sandwich in the garbage after all that time and work! It was heartbreaking but it was just inedible.
I use 3 slices of bread per sandwich and then cut the sandwich horizontally before dipping it, so it ends up being a good deal of work, far more difficult than doing it this way or the way described in Small Town Woman’s recipe. So, that’s it! I’ve decided, I’m going with one of these two methods next time (and there WILL BE A NEXT TIME, VERY SOON!! 🥰).
Thank you Judy & STW for the ideas!! I can’t wait to try it! ❤️❣️❤️❣️
Beth Pierce
So sorry to hear about your bad burns from the deep fried version. The pleasure is all mine! Enjoy, Lyssa!
Alison
WOW! This is pure decadence! A real hearty sandwich.
Lisalia
I often order this classic from a restaurant. Thanks for the instructions so I can make it at home. It was actually easier than I thought it would be – and still SO SO delicious! What other jam flavors could go well with this? Blueberry or blackberry?
Wanda
We treat ourselves to this sandwich once in a while at a local breakfast spot. I’m excited to find this recipe so I can try this dish at home!
Sharon
These Monte Cristo sandwiches are delicious for brunch! A great way to use leftover ham as well.
sherry lee
these are so good and gotta have the jam. only difference in mine is it is dipped and deepfried. my favorite and hard to find a real monte crosto
Leigh
Sounds wonderful. Dumb question, how do you dunk the sandwich in the egg mixture without the sandwich filling falling off the bread?
Beth Pierce
Just carefully I guess. I wish I had a better answer for you but using both hand I am able to do it.
Chris Collins
This looks so delicious! I’ll definitely go for the strawberry jam on top too!! 🙂
rika
That looks so delicious and loaded. I can’t wait to try it.
Jess
I love a good Monte Cristo Sandwich…full of flavor in every single bite!
veenaazmanov
This Sandwich is a total meal by itself. Delicious and yummy combinations of ingredients. Cheesy, meaty and a total filler for any meal.
Jere Cassidy
I am a big fan of Monte Cristo sandwiches but never make them at home. Giving this recipe a try.
Whitney
The eggs definitely adds so much flavor to the sandwich, thanks for sharing!!
Mirlene
I cannot wait to get my hands wrapped around this sandwich. Looks so delicious.
Sharon
I love these monte cristo sandwiches so much! They are the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
Jamie
I’ve always wanted to learn how to make this sandwich since I love ordering it at my local diner. Well, now that I see how easy it is, I’ll be enjoying this at home often! Thank you!
Jeannette
How incredible is this recipe? Just love all the flavours from combining powdered sugar, mayo, cheese and toasty bread! Thanks for sharing!
Toni Dash
My kids have been requesting for this! A favorite at my house!
Lizet
We’ve made this monte Cristo a few times already. My family loves it. I’m teaching my boys to make it, they want to have it every day 😅
Jessie
I have always wanted to try a Monte Cristo and this ones looks amazing!! I think I will be giving this a try this weekend.
Irina
I am sharing your recipe with my son, who is a great fan of making sandwiches. I know that he will share it with his friends. Your sandwich looks lovely and appetizing!
Amy
Yum!!! Monte Cristo Sandwiches are like comfort food at their best. I can’t wait to try your version!
Cathleen
Wow, this sandwich looks perfect!! I love the tips that you added as well! 🙂
Tony
I loved it!! Everyone at my house was impressed!
Alison
That looks like perfection! I love the gooey cheese oozing out the center!
Suzy
Always loved the flavor of this sandwich! Sweet and savory together! It’s so good!
wilhelmina
This monte cristo makes such a great brunch! It is simple to make but feels so decadent!
Tanya
This is so good!! It was a huge hit at my house!
Lauren Kelly
So funny, I never heard of this before and my husband ordered it on our honeymoon and LOVED it! Your recipe is fantatsic!
Vicky
Never tried a Monte Cristo sandwich before but I’m intrigued! Love how it’s also dipped in egg batter and fried!
Anita
Monte Cristo is definitely one of my favorite sandwich. For me, the strawberry jam is not optional. 😉
Kathleen
Have. You tried orange marmalade? So yummy!
Beth Pierce
No but I have heard it is delicious!
SHANIKA
OMG! Sandwiches are my fave and this looks AMAZING! I’m making this ASAP!
Tara
Yum! Love the Monte Cristo Sandwich, but haven’t tried making it myself yet. Yours looks incredible, especially the photo with the layers.
Jessica Formicola
I love monte cristo sandwiches and this is by far the best recipe I’ve found so far! So delicious and easy to make!
CRYSTAL HUGHES
The egg batter on this monte cristo made this sandwich so delicious. It will for sure be my husbands favourite now.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much much Crystal! So glad that he liked it!
Shelley
So we use 4 slices of bread for one sandwich? Can’t wait to make it tonight 👍Thanks for sharing Beth
Beth Pierce
2 slices of bread for each sandwich