The Monte Cristo Sandwich is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining elements of French toast with a classic ham and cheese sandwich. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This sandwich, with its crispy, buttery bread, melted cheese, and savory ham, topped with powdered sugar and served with honey or preserves, is a true culinary delight.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
2 eggs
Pinch of salt and pepper
4 slices of sturdy white bread
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
½ pound thick-sliced baked ham
4 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese (or ½ ounce per sandwich)
More salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
For Serving:
Powdered sugar (optional)
Honey or preserves (optional for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Beat the Eggs:
Crack 2 eggs into a large shallow dish.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Whisk the eggs until fully combined and slightly frothy. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place Bread Slices:
Lay 4 slices of sturdy white bread on a clean work surface.
Spread Condiments:
Spread 1 tablespoon of mustard on two of the slices of bread.
Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the other two slices.
Add Ham and Cheese:
Divide the ½ pound of baked ham between the two mustard-covered bread slices.
Sprinkle the Gruyere cheese evenly over the ham.
Season lightly with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Complete the Sandwiches:
Top the ham and cheese slices with the mayonnaise-covered bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure they hold together.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
Melt the Butter:
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
Dip the Sandwiches:
Dip each assembled sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated, but don’t leave them in too long to avoid sogginess.
Cook the Sandwiches:
Place the dipped sandwiches into the hot skillet.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning the bread.
Step 4: Serve the Sandwiches
Plate the Sandwiches:
Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
For an attractive presentation, cut each sandwich diagonally.
Add Sweet Toppings:
Dust the sandwiches with powdered sugar, if desired.
Serve with honey, raspberry preserves, or strawberry jam on the side for added sweetness.
Variations and Substitutions
Other Meats:
Substitute the ham with turkey, roast beef, or roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Substitutes:
Use cheddar, Swiss cheese, or provolone instead of Gruyere for a different flavor.
Combine different cheeses for a more complex taste.
Bread Options:
Use whole wheat, sourdough, brioche, or challah bread for a richer or heartier sandwich.
Healthy Alternatives:
Use light mayonnaise and mustard to reduce calorie content.
Opt for low-fat cheese if you prefer a lighter version.
Adding Some Heat:
Add a little hot sauce or spicy mustard to the sandwich for a kick.
Use pepper jack cheese to add a bit of heat.
Conclusion
The Monte Cristo Sandwich is a luxurious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different meats, cheeses, and breads, this sandwich is sure to impress. Enjoy the combination of crispy, buttery bread, melted cheese, and savory ham, with a touch of sweetness from powdered sugar and preserves. It’s a sandwich experience like no other!
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch salt plus more to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper plus more to taste
- 4 slices sturdy white bread
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 0.5 pound thick-sliced baked ham
- 4 ounces Gruyere cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- honey or preserves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Crack 2 eggs into a large shallow dish. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until combined and frothy.
- Lay 4 slices of bread on a work surface. Spread mustard on two slices and mayonnaise on the other two.
- Divide the ham between the mustard-covered slices, sprinkle with cheese, and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Top with the mayonnaise-covered slices, pressing gently to form sandwiches.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture to coat both sides, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Let rest briefly, cut diagonally, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with honey or preserves.
