Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
I’m excited to share my take on the classic French-inspired sandwich. It’s a Disneyland favorite. The Monte Cristo has savory ham, turkey, and melty cheese in crispy bread. It’s perfect for any time of day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0F5Uh4PZDE
This sandwich comes from the French Croque Monsieur. It became famous in southern California in the 1950s. Then, it made its debut at Disneyland in 1966. Now, I’m bringing it to your kitchen!
You can make this delicious sandwich in just 20 minutes. It’s a sweet and savory mix that feels like a trip to Main Street, U.S.A. Ready to start cooking? Let’s get going!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making Monte Cristo sandwiches at home. They are simple but taste great. You need three slices of white bread for one sandwich.
Spread mayonnaise and mustard on the bread slices. Then, add two slices of ham and two slices of turkey on top.
For the cheese, Swiss or Provolone are good choices. Use two slices. Dip the sandwich in an egg and milk mix before frying in butter for a crispy outside.
- Whole wheat bread instead of white for a nuttier flavor
- Gruyere cheese for a bolder taste
- Dijon mustard for extra tang
For serving, dust your Monte Cristo with powdered sugar. Serve with raspberry jam on the side. These touches make the sandwich sweet and savory. With these choices, you can make your own perfect Monte Cristo!
Instructions
Let’s make a delicious Monte Cristo sandwich together. This guide will show you how to put it together perfectly every time.
First, spread mayonnaise on one slice of bread and mustard on another. Then, add ham, turkey, and cheese on top. Finish with the third bread slice.
Next, mix egg and milk in a bowl. This mix will make our sandwich golden. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat for cooking.
- Dip the sandwich in the egg mix, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Put the sandwich in the hot pan.
- Cook until it’s golden on one side, then flip and cook the other side.
- Keep cooking until the cheese melts and it’s crispy on both sides.
Once it’s ready, serve the sandwich hot. For extra fun, dust it with powdered sugar and offer raspberry jam on the side. This Monte Cristo is a hit with its mix of savory and sweet!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I’ve learned a few tricks to make the perfect Monte Cristo. Using a non-stick skillet helps with even cooking. I press the sandwich while it cooks to make sure it sticks together well.
For a crispy outside, I cook it at a lower heat for a bit longer.
Let’s talk about how to store them. You can make these sandwiches ahead of time. Just wrap them in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. But, don’t dip them in the egg mix until you’re about to cook them.
Reheating is easy. Just heat up a skillet or use your oven. Cook the sandwich until it’s hot and crispy on the outside. It tastes almost as fresh as when it was made.
- Use a cast iron pan for even heat distribution
- Press the sandwich while cooking for better cohesion
- Cook at a lower temp for longer to achieve ultimate crispiness
- Store wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Dip in egg mixture just before cooking, not when storing
With these tips, you’ll be a Monte Cristo pro in no time. Happy cooking!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love trying new things with Monte Cristo recipes. Swapping the bread for crepes makes it exciting. Adding salami and mozzarella gives it an Italian twist.
Want to feed a lot of people? Make a Monte Cristo sandwich loaf. It’s great for parties. Using waffles instead of bread makes breakfast fun.
How you serve it matters. Dust it with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam for a classic feel. Pair it with a salad or fruit for balance. Serve with tomato soup for a cozy meal.
For parties, cut the sandwich into quarters. It’s a big hit. These ideas will make your Monte Cristo stand out.