Monte Cristo Sandwich

A Monte Cristo Sandwich is a type of grilled or fried sandwich that is a variation of the French croque-monsieur. It is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors and is often considered a type of indulgent comfort food. The sandwich typically includes ham, turkey, or chicken, along with cheese, sandwiched between slices of bread. What sets the Monte Cristo Sandwich apart is its unique preparation.

The exact origin of the Monte Cristo Sandwich is a bit unclear, and there are multiple theories about its creation. One common belief is that the sandwich has French roots and is an American variation of the French dish called “croque-monsieur.” The croque-monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that’s typically topped with béchamel sauce.

The Monte Cristo Sandwich is said to have gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is often associated with diner and cafe menus. The sandwich’s name is likely a reference to the classic French novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas, but the exact reason for this association is not definitively known.

While the origin remains somewhat uncertain, the Monte Cristo Sandwich has become a beloved classic in American cuisine. It is enjoyed for its unique combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it a distinctive and indulgent treat on menus across the country.

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Here is a basic recipe for a Monte Cristo Sandwich:

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: MainCuisine: Other world cuisineDifficulty: Easy

A Monte Cristo sandwich is a sandwich composed of ham, chicken, and Swiss cheese enclosed in bread that is dipped in beaten egg and fried until golden brown.

Ingredients

• Slices of white bread

• Thinly sliced ham

• Thinly sliced turkey or chicken

• Swiss cheese (or another cheese of your choice)

• Dijon mustard

• Mayonnaise

• Eggs

• Milk

• Salt and pepper

• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

• Raspberry or strawberry jam (for dipping, optional)

Directions

• Assemble the Sandwich:
• Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Layer ham, turkey or chicken, and Swiss cheese between two slices of bread to create a sandwich.
• Prepare the Batter:
• In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper to create a batter.
• Dip the Sandwich:
• Dip the entire sandwich into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated on all sides.
• Cooking:
• Cook the sandwich on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until it’s golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
• Serving:
• Optionally, dust the sandwich with powdered sugar before serving.
• Serve the Monte Cristo Sandwich with raspberry or strawberry jam on the side for dipping.

The combination of savory meats, cheese, and the hint of sweetness from the powdered sugar and jam makes the Monte Cristo Sandwich a flavorful and satisfying treat. It’s often enjoyed as a brunch or lunch item and is known for its delicious contrast of textures and tastes.

Other SANDWICH recipes may be found HERE.

IMAGE SOURCE: HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons