Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich
Do you like French toast? Do you like ham and cheese sandwiches? Then you will definitely like the Monte Cristo Sandwich! A touch of Member’s Mark™ Spanish Style Paprika is the key ingredient to this extra-special sandwich.
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
A Monte Cristo sandwich is a rich, indulgent ham-and-cheese sandwich that’s dipped in egg batter and fried, similar to savory French toast.
What’s typically in it
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Bread (usually white or brioche)
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Ham (sometimes turkey too)
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Swiss cheese (Gruyère is also common)
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Egg batter (like you’d use for French toast)
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Butter for frying
How it’s made
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The sandwich is assembled with meat and cheese.
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It’s dipped in an egg-and-milk mixture.
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Then pan-fried or deep-fried until golden and melty.
How it’s served
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Often dusted with powdered sugar
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Served with raspberry jam or berry preserves on the side for dipping
Tips for Making a Monte Cristo
Here are tried-and-true tips to make a Monte Cristo sandwich that’s crispy outside, melty inside, and not soggy:
Bread & Filling Tips
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Use sturdy bread: Brioche, challah, or thick white bread hold up best to dipping.
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Don’t overfill: Too much meat or cheese makes it hard to heat through.
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Swiss or Gruyère melt best and balance the sweetness nicely.
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Layer smartly: Put cheese next to the bread to help everything melt evenly.
Egg Batter Tips
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Light batter is key: Use eggs + milk or cream—skip heavy seasonings.
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Quick dip only: Don’t soak the sandwich or it’ll fall apart.
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Whisk well so the coating cooks evenly.
Cooking Tips
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Cook low and slow: Medium to medium-low heat lets the cheese melt before the bread browns.
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Butter + oil combo: Butter for flavor, oil to prevent burning.
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Press gently with a spatula for even browning (don’t smash).
Pro-Level Touches
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Seal the edges by pressing lightly after dipping—helps keep cheese from leaking.
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Finish in the oven (350°F for 5–8 minutes) if the bread browns too fast.
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Rest 1–2 minutes before slicing so the filling sets.
Serving Tips
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Powdered sugar goes on last—just a light dusting.
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Serve with raspberry or strawberry preserves on the side, not inside.
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Cut diagonally for that classic diner look.
Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3 slices White sandwich bread
- ½ cup Grated gouda cheese
- ¼ lb Sliced deli ham
- 2 tsp Mayonnaise
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Member's Mark™ Spanish Style Paprika
- Member's Mark™ Pink Himalayan Salt Grinder to taste
- Member's Mark™ Black Peppercorn Grinder to taste
- 2 tbsp Butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Lay out three slices of sandwich bread. Split grated cheese between two slices of bread. Top cheese with sliced ham.
- Lightly spread mayo on each side of the third piece of bread. Place the mayo piece of bread on top of one of the two sides. Then flip the other ham/cheese side on top so the mayo piece of bread is in between the two sides, creating a two layer sandwich. The cheese should be on the outside of the sandwich.
- Slice the crust off the sandwich. Use a cutting board to press the sandwich to compact the layers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, Member's Mark™ Spanish Style Paprika, and a pinch of Member's Mark™ Pink Himalayan Salt Grinder and Member's Mark™ Black Peppercorn Grinder.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Meanwhile, dredge the sandwich in the egg mixture, coating all sides. Immediately move sandwich to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until sandwich is golden brown. Upend the sandwich to cook on the ends for about 15 seconds per side.
- Sandwich is done cooking when it is a dark golden brown and cheese is completely melted. Dust lightly with powdered sugar. Slice in half, and serve!