Monte Cristo Sandwich Ham Cheese

The first time I encountered a Monte Cristo, I was completely baffled by the concept. Powdered sugar on a ham and cheese sandwich? It sounded like someone had gotten their breakfast and lunch orders hopelessly mixed up. Then I took that first bite, the crunch of golden bread giving way to warm, melting Swiss cheese, the salty ham perfectly balanced by that dusting of sweetness, and suddenly it all made perfect sense. Now whenever grey winter days have me craving something both comforting and slightly indulgent, this is the sandwich that pulls me into the kitchen.

I made these for a sleepy Saturday brunch last month, watching my friend's face light up with that first skeptical bite turn into pure delight. She kept pausing between bites to ask how something so simple could taste so extraordinary. By the time we finished, with raspberry preserves streaking our plates and powdered sugar dusting our elbows, we had already planned our next Monte Cristo gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 slices white sandwich bread: Slightly stale bread actually works better here, soaking up the egg batter without falling apart
• 8 slices deli ham: Thinly sliced allows for easier layering and better melting
• 8 slices Swiss cheese: Its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties make it the classic choice
• 4 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat that cuts through the richness
• 3 large eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk up into a smoother batter
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Creates the perfect custard like coating on the bread
• 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the egg batter
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds that irresistible golden flavor to the exterior
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Prevents the butter from burning while cooking
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar: The finishing touch that makes this unmistakably a Monte Cristo

Instructions

Assemble your sandwiches:

Lay out eight slices of bread and spread Dijon mustard on four of them if you are using it, then layer two slices each of ham and Swiss on the mustard slices. Top with remaining bread and press down gently to help everything stay together.

Prepare the egg batter:

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl until completely smooth and no streaks of egg white remain visible.

Heat your pan:

Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium heat, watching for the foam to subside and the butter to turn fragrant.

Dip and coat:

Quickly dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides thoroughly but not letting them soak long enough to become soggy.

Cook to golden perfection:

Place sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook for about three to four minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula, until deeply golden and the cheese has melted completely.

Finish with flair:

Let sandwiches rest on a wire rack for one minute to keep them crisp, then cut diagonally and dust generously with powdered sugar.

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These sandwiches have become my go to when I want to serve something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. There is something universally delightful about that first bite, the way your brain tries to process the sweet and savory combination before just surrendering to how well it works.

Bread Choices That Work

While standard white bread is traditional, I have discovered that challah or brioche elevate this sandwich to something truly extraordinary. Their slightly sweet, eggy structure holds up beautifully to the batter and adds another layer of richness. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly, as denser breads need a bit more heat to get that golden crunch throughout.

Making It Your Own

Turkey makes a lovely lighter alternative to ham, or you could go completely vegetarian with just extra cheese. Sometimes I add a thin layer of raspberry preserves inside the sandwich before cooking, creating pockets of jammy sweetness that ooze out when you cut into it. The beauty of this recipe lies in how flexible it is while still delivering that classic Monte Cristo experience.

Serving Suggestions

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while fresh berries on the side reinforce that brunch feeling. Keep extra powdered sugar at the table because everyone seems to add just a bit more. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling cider completes the experience perfectly.

• Set up a garnish station and let everyone add their own finishing touches
• Cut sandwiches into smaller triangles for easier party style serving
• Keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200 degree oven while cooking the remaining batches

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Whether you are feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special on a quiet weekend morning, these sandwiches never fail to bring a little joy to the table.

Recipe Questions

→ What makes a Monte Cristo different from French toast?

While both use egg batter, a Monte Cristo is assembled as a filled sandwich with ham and cheese before dipping, whereas French toast is just bread dipped in custard. The Monte Cristo also traditionally includes powdered sugar and sometimes jam, adding that signature sweet element to complement the savory filling.

→ Can I make Monte Cristo sandwiches ahead of time?

For best results, assemble and cook them fresh. However, you can prep the components in advance—slice your cheese and ham, mix the egg batter, and have everything ready. The assembled sandwiches can sit for about 15 minutes before cooking, but don't dip them in batter until ready to fry or they may become soggy.

→ What's the best bread to use?

White sandwich bread works perfectly, but for extra richness try brioche, challah, or Texas toast. These breads absorb the egg batter beautifully and hold up well during frying. Just avoid very thin slices that might tear when dipped or overly thick slices that won't heat through to melt the cheese properly.

→ Why add oil to the butter when frying?

Butter alone can burn at medium-high heat, while oil has a higher smoke point. Combining them gives you the best of both worlds—butter's rich flavor and oil's stability. This mixture prevents the butter from burning while still imparting that delicious buttery taste to the golden exterior.

→ Can I bake Monte Cristo sandwiches instead of frying?

Yes! After dipping in egg batter, place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes per side. They won't get quite as crispy as pan-fried versions, but they're still delicious and great for making multiple sandwiches at once. Broil for the last minute to achieve extra golden color.

→ What should I serve with Monte Cristo sandwiches?

Traditional pairings include raspberry preserves or jam for dipping. Fresh fruit balances the richness, while a simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the fried exterior. For a complete brunch spread, consider adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or roasted potatoes on the side.