Monte Cristo Sandwich
User Reviews
4.2
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Description
This recipe starts by drying out thick slices of sturdy bread such as Challah or French bread to ensure it holds up to the custard soak. A custard is made from whole milk, egg yolks, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt, into which the sandwiches are briefly dipped on both sides to absorb some liquid without becoming soggy.
The sandwiches are layered with slices of ham, turkey, and Gruyere cheese, then assembled and cooked in a skillet with butter over medium-low heat. The cooking creates a crisp, golden crust while melting the cheese and warming the meats inside. The final sandwich is dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry or blackberry preserves and optionally maple syrup on the side, which add sweetness and a fruity contrast to the rich filling.
Challah or brioche bread is preferred for its firm texture and slight sweetness, while Gruyere provides a distinct nuttiness. You can make the sandwiches ahead and refrigerate before dipping and cooking, which allows for preparation in advance.
Ingredients
- 8 lices bread a hearty French or Challah, sliced ½-inch to 1-inch thick, firm
- 1½ cups milk whole
- 6 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted + 1 tablespoon for cooking, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces ham Virginia; sliced
- 8 ounces turkey breast sliced
- 8 ounces gruyere cheese shredded or sliced, or Swiss cheese
- powdered sugar for sprinkling
- raspberry preserves for serving, or blackberry preserves
- 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.
Notes
- Use firm, thick-sliced bread like Challah or brioche for best structure.
- Gruyere cheese offers a nuttier flavor; Swiss cheese can be used for a milder taste.
- Serve with powdered sugar and fruit preserves, such as raspberry or blackberry, and optionally maple syrup for dipping.
- Sandwiches can be assembled and refrigerated overnight wrapped in plastic wrap to prepare ahead; dip and cook just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4sandwiches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 783 kcal
% 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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