The ultimate decadent
sandwich, a Monte Cristo has all of the classic American diner flavors: sweet, salty, cheesy, and indulgent. Frying the whole battered sandwich creates a gooey pocket of cheese, which is perfectly satisfying when combined with the salty ham and sweet jam. It’s our favorite way to upgrade any weeknight (or boring work lunch), and satisfies our sweet-salty craving in the very best way. New to making Monte Cristo sandwiches at home? Keep reading on for everything you need to know:
What is a Monte Cristo?
A Monte Cristo is a decadent sandwich that can be found in most diners across America, Disneyland, and state fairs. The sandwich is filled with Swiss cheese, ham, turkey, and Dijon mustard. It’s then dipped in a French toast batter, shallow-fried, and served dusted with confectioners’ sugar and a side of jam. Classically it’s served with raspberry jam, but you can switch it up with strawberry if you prefer!
How to make the best Monte Cristo:
This sandwich can have a few different variations: some like it deep-fried, others with crunchy toppings added, but this recipe follows the most common and easy to make technique. A nonstick pan is ideal for a shallow-fry, but if you have a well seasoned cast-iron skillet, that will work perfectly as well.
Tip: Keep an eye on the sandwiches and don’t walk away from them! You’re essentially making a stuffed French toast, so you want to make sure to get a beautifully golden brown crust.
Serving ideas:
You can’t get better than a classic sandwich + chips combo, but we also love this sandwich paired with homemade French fries, Tzatziki potato salad, or our strawberry spinach salad.
Did you make this? Let us know how it went in the comments!