A Sandwich Like No Other
Have you ever had a sandwich for dinner that felt like dessert? The Monte Cristo is just that. It is salty, sweet, and so very crispy. I think it is a happy little surprise on a plate.
My grandson calls it the “fancy French toast sandwich.” He is not wrong. You dip the whole sandwich in a sweet batter and fry it. The cheese gets all melty inside. It is pure comfort.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made this, I was so nervous. I thought the sandwich would fall apart in the pan. But those little toothpicks? They are lifesavers. They hold everything together.
I still laugh at that. I stood over the stove, holding my breath. Then I flipped it. It was golden and perfect. I felt so proud. What’s a meal you were proud of making?
Why We Make Food With Love
This recipe has a few more steps than a normal sandwich. But that is the point. Taking your time shows you care. The person you feed will feel that love.
Food is more than just eating. It is about sharing and creating memories. A special meal can turn a regular Tuesday into something wonderful. That is why this matters.
Let’s Get Cooking
First, build your sandwich. Use a thin spread of mustard. Then layer the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese. Poke toothpicks in the corners. This is our trick to keep it neat.
Now, make the simple batter. Whisk it until it is smooth. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The cinnamon is the secret. Dip the whole sandwich in the batter. Let the extra drip off.
The Magic in the Pan
Carefully place your sandwich in the hot oil. Listen for that gentle sizzle. That is the sound of crispiness happening. Cook it until it is golden brown on both sides.
Fun fact: The Monte Cristo became famous in Southern California. It was not from France at all. Do you like sweet and salty foods together, or do you prefer them separate?
The Grand Finale
Take the sandwich out and let it rest. Then, the final touch. A snowy dusting of powdered sugar. You must serve it with raspberry jam for dipping.
The mix of savory ham, melty cheese, and sweet jam is perfect. Every bite is different. This is why trying new food combinations matters. It opens up a world of flavor.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
This sandwich is perfect for a weekend lunch. It feels like a treat. You can even cut it into small pieces for sharing. I love seeing everyone gather around the table.
If you make it, tell me what you think. Did your family go quiet because they were eating too fast? That is the best compliment a cook can get.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2/3 cup | For the batter |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | For the batter |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | For the batter |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon | For the batter |
| Eggs | 2 | For the batter |
| Milk | 3/4 cup | For the batter |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | For frying |
| Dijon mustard | 1 Tablespoon | For the sandwiches |
| White bread, challah or brioche | 8 slices | For the sandwiches |
| Ham | 8 slices | For the sandwiches |
| Turkey | 8 slices | For the sandwiches |
| Swiss cheese | 8 slices | For the sandwiches |
| Powdered sugar | As needed | For topping |
| Raspberry or blackberry jam | As needed | For serving |
My Cozy Monte Cristo Sandwich
I have such a soft spot for this sandwich. It feels like a warm hug from my childhood. My own grandma would make it for us on rainy afternoons. The mix of salty ham and sweet jam is pure magic. It always makes me smile.
Let’s get our sandwiches ready for their cozy bath. First, lay out your bread slices on the counter. Give them a thin spread of that Dijon mustard. Now, pile on the turkey, Swiss cheese, and ham. Doesn’t that look wonderful already?
Step 1: Put your sandwich together like a little tower. I like to use two slices of cheese. It makes everything extra melty and happy. Stick a toothpick in two opposite corners. This holds it all together. I still laugh at the time I forgot this step. What a mess!
Step 2: Now, let’s make the batter. Just mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Then whisk in your eggs and milk. Keep going until it’s nice and smooth. (A hard-learned tip: Lumps are sneaky, so whisk well!)
Step 3: Pour your oil into a skillet. Turn the heat to medium. You want it to be nice and hot. To test it, flick a tiny drop of water into the pan. Does it sizzle and dance? Then you are ready to go.
Step 4: Time for the fun part! Use your tongs to dunk each sandwich. Coat both sides in that lovely batter. Let the extra drip back into the bowl. This keeps things from getting too greasy. See how the batter clings to the bread? It’s going to be so crispy.
Step 5: Gently lay your sandwich in the hot oil. Listen for that gentle sizzle. Cook for about three minutes per side. You want it to be a perfect golden brown. What’s your favorite golden-brown food? Share below!
Step 6: Almost done! Move your sandwich to a plate with paper towels. This soaks up any extra oil. Then, cut it in half or into little quarters. Give it a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it with a little bowl of raspberry jam. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Lunch, Comfort Food
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up sometimes. Here are a few ways to make it your own. I think experimenting in the kitchen is such a joy.
The Apple Pie Twist: Add thin slices of sweet apple inside with the ham. It tastes like a holiday.
The French Toast Twist: Skip the mustard and meat. Just use lots of cheese. Dip it in the batter. It’s the best cheesy French toast you will ever have.
The Everything Bagel Twist: Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning to the batter. It gives a wonderful, savory crunch.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
This sandwich is a whole meal by itself. But I love making a little plate look special. It makes an ordinary day feel like a celebration. A simple side can make all the difference.
I always serve mine with a small salad of mixed greens. The fresh crunch is perfect with the rich sandwich. A handful of potato chips on the side is also a classic choice. It just feels right.
For a drink, a cold glass of milk is my go-to. It’s the perfect partner. For the grown-ups, a crisp hard apple cider is lovely. It cuts through the richness so nicely. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Monte Cristo Happy
This sandwich is best eaten right away. But you can store it for later. Let it cool completely first. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
You can keep it in the fridge for two days. I do not recommend freezing it. The batter can get soggy when it thaws. I learned that the hard way with my first batch.
To reheat, use your oven or toaster oven. This keeps the outside crispy. A microwave will make it soft. Trust me on this one.
Making a few sandwiches ahead saves busy weeknight time. This is why batch cooking matters. It gives you a tasty meal without the fuss. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Fixing Common Monte Cristo Hiccups
Is your sandwich falling apart? Those toothpicks are your best friend. I remember when my first one came undone in the pan. Poke them in at an angle to hold everything tight.
Is the batter too thick or thin? You want it like heavy cream. If it is too thick, add a splash more milk. Getting the batter right matters for a perfect, golden crust.
Is the outside burning before the cheese melts? Your heat is too high. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes per side. This gives the inside time to get warm and gooey. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Monte Cristo Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread and flour blend. It works just as well.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead? A: You can mix it an hour before. Give it a quick stir before dipping.
Q: What if I do not have ham? A: That is okay. You can use all turkey, or even chicken. Use what you have in the fridge.
Q: Can I make just one sandwich? A: Of course. Simply cut the batter ingredients in half. It is easy to scale down.
*Fun fact: The Monte Cristo sandwich is like a French toast and ham sandwich had a baby!* Which tip will you try first?
A Little Note From My Kitchen
I hope you love making this special sandwich. It always feels like a treat. It brings a smile to everyone at my table.
I would love to see your creation. Your kitchen stories make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe Tastes Better From Scratch
Description
A classic, savory and sweet sandwich, battered and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Batter:
Sandwiches:
Topping:
Instructions
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lay two slices of bread side by side. Spread with very thin layer of Dijon mustard. Top with turkey, Swiss cheese, ham, and second bread slice. Secure with toothpicks on two opposite corners, from the top, at an angle, to help keep the sandwich together while battering.
- Make Batter: Add flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon to a mixing bowl and stir together. Whisk in eggs and milk until smooth.
- Heat Oil: Add oil to a skillet over medium heat.
- Dip Sandwiches: Use tongs to dip each sandwich into the batter, flipping to coat on both sides. Lift up and allow excess batter to drip off and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
- Cook: Once oil in pan is hot, add one sandwich at a time, cooking for about 3 minutes (reduce heat if it starts to brown too much on the bottom) until golden and crisp. Flip and cook on the other side until golden. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve: Cut into halves or quarters before serving, and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of raspberry jam.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the sandwich from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.