September 17 is National Monte Cristo Day. What exactly is the Monte Cristo sandwich? I would describe a Monte Cristo as a grilled meat and cheese sandwich using French toast for the bread.
While the Monte Cristo sandwich tends to vary from restaurant to restaurant or from deli to deli, the general recipe consists of two slices of white bread containing ham, turkey, or chicken, and slices of Swiss cheese, which are dipped in beaten egg and fried in butter. This creates a sandwich with a crisp coating that keeps the meat and cheese perfectly melted inside. A classic Monte Cristo sandwich should come with a side of jam or jelly in which you have the option to dip your sandwich for the best Monte Cristo Sandwich experience. You will love this sandwich if you enjoy French Toast.
Monte Cristo Sandwich Origin
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur, a grilled cheese sandwich consisting of Gruyere cheese and lean ham layered between two slices of crustless bread, fried in clarified butter and made in a special grilling iron with two metal plates. Croque Monsieur is believed to have been served for the first time in a Parisian cafe.
During the thirty years from 1930 until 1960, American cookbooks showcased this sandwich under a variety of names, including French Sandwich, Toasted Ham Sandwich, and French Toasted Cheese Sandwich. In the 1950s, this sandwich was first served under the name “The Monte Cristo” in southern California.
Starting around 1966, Disneyland made its contributions to the ever-rising Monte Cristo Sandwich. It appeared on their menu at the Blue Bayou and Tahitian Terrace restaurants located at New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Ever since, the Monte Cristo Sandwich has nationally and internationally become a notoriously delicious sandwich that has found its place on menus of restaurants, delis, and other sandwich shops.
In most regions, the sandwich is savory rather than sweet. Traditionally, it is dipped in its entirety in egg batter and pan-fried, though it may also be deep-fried. In some areas of the U.S., it is served grilled; in others, it is an open sandwich with only the bread battered and the assembled sandwich heated slightly under a grill or broiler. The Monte Cristo is sometimes covered in powdered sugar and served with maple syrup, berry puree, or preserves.
Monte Cristo Sandwich Ingredients
The best Monte Cristo Sandwich always starts with the best ingredients. Soft white bread is traditional, so try brioche, challah, or potato bread. You can always swap it out for sourdough, wheat, or other bread. Some recipes enhance the flavor with dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard along with the smear of mayonnaise. Traditionally, deli-sliced ham and turkey are used for the meats. This sandwich is usually made with Swiss cheese, but you could substitute in any cheese you have on hand. Sliced gouda, Muenster, mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar would work well. The Monte Cristo sandwich is a sweet and savory combo that will convert even a skeptic! This sandwich is bursting with flavor.
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator
Sources:
Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Servings: 4
Author: D23
- 1 egg
- 1 3/4 cups plus 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 8 slices egg bread sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 8 thin slices deli ham
- 8 thin slices deli turkey
- 8 thin slices Swiss cheese
- 3 cups vegetable oil
- Confectioners sugar
- Blackberry preserves
Line a cookie sheet or jellyroll pan with a cooling rack; set aside. Preheat the oven to 200°F.
Whisk the egg and water together in a mixing bowl. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and whisk thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth, scraping sides of the bowl.
On one slice of bread, arrange one slice of cheese, two slices of ham, two slices of turkey, and one slice of cheese, covering the bread evenly. Place another piece of bread on top and slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
Heat the oil to between 365°F and 375°F in a 10-inch pan. Dip half of the sandwich into the batter, allowing excess to drain, and very carefully place into the oil.
Repeat with the other sandwich half. Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Place the cooked sandwich on the prepared cookie sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve. Repeat with the other three sandwiches.
Cook one at a time, and allow the oil to reach the desired temperature between each sandwich.
Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar and serve with blackberry preserves on the side.