4.2 from 54 votes
Monte Cristo Sandwich
A variation of the Croque Monsieur, this is a savory ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich prepared like French toast, served with sweet fruit preserves or maple syrup.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories: 783 kcal
Course:
Lunch
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 lices firm bread a hearty French or Challah, sliced ½-inch to 1-inch thick
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted + 1 tablespoon for cooking
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces sliced Virginia ham
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast
- 8 ounces Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese shredded or sliced
- powdered sugar for sprinkling
- Raspberry or blackberry preserves for serving
- maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- If your bread is not yet dry, put it in the toaster on the lowest setting to dry it out.
- Whisk together the milk, egg yolks, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract and salt in a medium bowl. Pour the custard into a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Assemble the sandwiches by topping 4 slices of bread with an equal amount of ham, turkey, and cheese, and then top with the remaining slices of bread, pressing them together gently.
- Set a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat and melt ½ tablespoon of the butter.
- Meanwhile, place the assembled sandwiches in the custard mixture for 20 seconds. Gently flip the sandwiches over and soak on the other side for an additional 20 seconds. Transfer two of the sandwiches to a baking sheet or tray.
- Place the other two sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwiches and cook until the second side is golden brown, an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the cooked sandwiches to a cooling rack or serving tray. Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel, melt the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter and repeat with the remaining two sandwiches.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or fruit preserves for dipping.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Nutritional values are based on one sandwich
- Equipment: 9x13-inch pan / skillet or griddle / cooling rack
- Bread: Challah is recommended, but brioche will also work.
- Cheese: Gruyere is preferred, but if you like a milder flavor, you can use Swiss.
- Serving: Serve with maple syrup or fruit preserves on the side, for dipping.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the sandwiches, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator overnight. The custard can also be assembled, covered, and refrigerated overnight. Dip and fry the sandwiches before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
783kcal
(39%)
Carbohydrates
46g
(15%)
Protein
42g
(84%)
Fat
46g
(71%)
Saturated Fat
22g
(110%)
Cholesterol
414mg
(138%)
Sodium
1526mg
(64%)
Potassium
504mg
(14%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
20g
(40%)
Vitamin A
1250IU
(25%)
Vitamin C
0.2mg
(0%)
Calcium
814mg
(81%)
Iron
3.6mg
(20%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4sandwiches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 783
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 783kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 46g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Cholesterol | 414mg | 138% |
| Sodium | 1526mg | 64% |
| Potassium | 504mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 1250IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 814mg | 81% |
| Iron | 3.6mg | 20% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.