American Cuisine
Monte Cristo Sandwich (Fried Ham and Cheese)
By Maria Chen, RecipeOK Test Kitchen
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The Monte Cristo is America's answer to the French croque-monsieur, and it took a detour through Southern California to get its current form. Versions of a fried ham-and-cheese sandwich dipped in egg batter show up in French cookbooks under the name 'croque-monsieur' as early as the 1910s, but the sandwich most home cooks know as the Monte Cristo took shape in Los Angeles diners and coffee shops in the 1950s and 60s, most famously at Disneyland's Blue Bayou and Tahitian Terrace restaurants, where it became a signature menu item. The addition of turkey alongside the ham, the dusting of powdered sugar, and the side of raspberry or currant jam pushed it toward dessert territory, turning a savory sandwich into something you eat with a fork and knife. That sweet-savory contrast is the whole point: the egg-battered bread fries up like French toast, the cheese pulls into long strands, and the jam cuts through the richness. It has since become a brunch-menu staple across the country, equally at home on a Sunday breakfast table or a late-night diner counter, and it remains one of the few sandwiches that genuinely straddles the line between breakfast and dessert.
Ingredients
Serves 2Instructions
- 1
Gather and prepare all ingredients as specified in the ingredient list.
- 2
Assemble sandwiches: Layer one slice of bread with Swiss cheese, ham, turkey, and another slice of cheese.
- 3
Top with second bread slice.
- 4
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- 5
Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- 6
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- 7
Fry sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- 8
Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm, optionally with raspberry jam.
- 9
Cook whole-cut meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on a food thermometer, per USDA guidance.
- 10
Cook poultry until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a food thermometer, per USDA guidance.
- 11
Cook egg dish until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) on a food thermometer, per USDA guidance.
Chef's Tips
- ✦ Press the sandwich together firmly before dipping so the layers hold together in the egg batter and don't slide apart while frying.
- ✦ Fry over medium, not high, heat — the bread needs time to cook through to the center before the outside over-browns.
- ✦ Let the assembled, uncooked sandwiches sit for a minute after dipping so the bread absorbs some egg mixture; this gives a custardier interior once fried.
- ✦ Keep finished sandwiches warm on a wire rack in a low oven if making a batch, so the bottom doesn't turn soggy the way it would sitting on a plate.
Ingredient Substitutions
-
white bread → brioche or challah
richer crumb soaks up more egg batter for an even more custardy texture
-
Swiss cheese → Gruyère
nuttier flavor, melts just as well
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turkey breast → leftover roast chicken
good use for holiday leftovers
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whole milk → half-and-half
makes the egg dip richer and closer to French toast batter
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Monte Cristo the same as a croque-monsieur? ▼
They're closely related but not identical. A croque-monsieur is grilled or baked, not egg-dipped and pan-fried, and it's served purely savory. The Monte Cristo adds an egg batter dip (more like French toast) and is typically finished with powdered sugar and a side of jam, making it sweeter and richer.
Can I make a Monte Cristo ahead of time? ▼
Assemble the sandwiches (bread, cheese, ham, turkey) up to a day ahead and refrigerate them wrapped in plastic. Dip in the egg mixture and fry just before serving — the fried texture doesn't hold up well to reheating.
What's traditionally served alongside a Monte Cristo? ▼
Powdered sugar dusted on top and a small dish of raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping are the classic accompaniments, playing up the sandwich's sweet-savory character.
Can I bake instead of fry a Monte Cristo? ▼
Yes — after dipping in the egg mixture, place the sandwiches on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes per side. You'll lose some of the deep-fried crispness but it's a lower-mess option.
