Irresistible Monte Cristo Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Melted cheese and crispy bread create a mouthwatering dance of flavors in this irresistible monte cristo style grilled cheese sandwich that promises pure culinary bliss.

Golden-brown edges cradle a rich, gooey interior that satisfies every comfort food craving.

Ham and swiss cheese nestle between soft bread slices, waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

The sandwich emerges from the skillet with a perfect golden crunch that beckons you closer.

Dusted with powdered sugar, this classic transforms into an indulgent treat that bridges sweet and savory worlds.

A simple yet decadent recipe awaits, ready to elevate your lunch or dinner with its irresistible charm.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this extraordinary sandwich.

Monte Cristo Style Grilled Cheese: Sweet Meets Savory

• Gourmet Twist Elevate your classic grilled cheese with a sophisticated Monte Cristo style that transforms an everyday sandwich into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Quick Comfort Create a delicious, satisfying meal in just minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that anyone can master.
• Flavor Symphony Blend sweet and savory notes by combining ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and an optional powdered sugar and strawberry preserves finish for a taste explosion.
• Versatile Delight Enjoy as a decadent breakfast, lunch, brunch, or light dinner option that impresses both kids and adults with its rich, indulgent profile.

Ingredients For The Perfect Monte Cristo Melt

• Bread: A soft, sturdy base for creating the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
• Swiss Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that provides a smooth and creamy texture.
• Ham: A savory protein that adds depth and richness to the sandwich.

• Mayonnaise, Mustard: Flavorful condiments that enhance the taste and add a tangy kick to the bread.

• Egg, Half and Half: Create a light, custardy coating that gives the sandwich a golden, crispy exterior.
• Butter: Provides a rich, golden color and helps achieve a perfect crisp when grilling.

• Powdered Sugar, Strawberry Preserves: Optional sweet toppings that complement the savory sandwich and add a delightful finish.

Tools For Crispy, Golden Monte Cristo Sandwiches

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the sandwich evenly and creating that golden-brown crust.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the egg and half and half mixture.
• Whisk or fork: Great for beating the egg mixture until smooth and well combined.
• Spatula: Helps flip the sandwich carefully without breaking it.
• Knife: Useful for spreading mayonnaise and mustard on bread slices.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for sandwich preparation.

Crafting Your Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Bread Surfaces

Generously spread mayonnaise on one side of a bread slice and mustard on the other slice.

Position the bread with spread sides facing upward on a clean surface.

Step 2: Layer Swiss Cheese

Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each bread surface, covering the spread completely.

Step 3: Add Savory Ham

Lay ham slices on top of the Swiss cheese on one bread slice.

Carefully combine the two bread slices to form a sandwich.

Step 4: Create Egg Dipping Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and half and half together until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Fry the Sandwich

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat
• Submerge the entire sandwich in the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage
• Gently place the coated sandwich into the bubbling butter
• Cook until the bottom turns a rich golden brown
• Carefully flip and repeat on the opposite side

Step 6: Elevate and Garnish

Transfer the hot sandwich to a serving plate.

Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and offer strawberry preserves on the side for a delightful dipping experience.

Tricks For That Signature Monte Cristo Flavor

• Choose thick, sturdy bread like brioche or Texas toast to prevent sogginess and maintain a crisp exterior during cooking.
• Ensure even coating by quickly and completely submerging the sandwich in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off before frying.
• Keep skillet at medium heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning the bread or overcooking the cheese.
• Dust with powdered sugar sparingly and serve strawberry preserves on the side for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Let cheese come to room temperature before assembling to help it melt more evenly and smoothly during cooking.

Ways To Remix Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Vegetarian Monte Cristo: Replace ham with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetable slices for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion: Add pepper jack cheese and sprinkle chili powder in the egg mixture for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Swap: Substitute bread with large lettuce leaves or cauliflower flatbread for a lighter alternative.

Monte Cristo Melts On The Table

• Sweet and Savory Breakfast Buddy: Transform this Monte Cristo grilled cheese into a hearty morning meal paired with fresh scrambled eggs or crispy hash browns.
• Brunch Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning presentation by cutting sandwich diagonally, dusting with powdered sugar, and arranging with fresh berries on elegant white plates.
• Dipping Delight: Serve with extra strawberry preserves on the side for guests who love extra sauce, allowing everyone to customize their sandwich experience with tangy-sweet flavors.
• Quick Kids' Favorite: Cut sandwich into fun triangle shapes and let children enjoy the playful mix of cheesy, eggy goodness with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added excitement.

Keeping Grilled Cheese Tasty Longer

• Store leftover sandwich in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Carefully place sandwich in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain quality and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap sandwich and place on baking sheet. Warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps up.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Warm sandwich 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy exterior returns.

FAQs

• What makes this sandwich different from a classic grilled cheese?

This Monte Cristo style sandwich elevates the traditional grilled cheese by dipping the entire sandwich in an egg mixture, creating a crispy, French toast-like exterior that adds richness and texture.

• Is this sandwich sweet or savory?

It’s a perfect balance of both! The sandwich uses ham and Swiss cheese for a savory base, but can be finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and strawberry preserves for a sweet twist.

• Can I use different types of cheese or meat?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese and ham are traditional, you can experiment with other cheese like Gruyère or provolone, and swap ham for turkey or roast beef to suit your taste.

Monte Cristo Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Indulgent monte cristo style grilled cheese sandwich blends sweet and savory flavors from French culinary traditions. Crisp bread, melted cheese, and ham create a delightful meal you will savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 slices Sara Lee ArtesanoTM Bread
• 2–3 ounces (85 grams) smoked deli ham, sliced, room temperature
• 2 slices Swiss cheese, room temperature

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) half and half

Condiments and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) grainy mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) butter
• Powdered sugar, for sprinkling (if desired)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat one bread slice with mayonnaise and the other with mustard, positioning them spread-side upward.
2. Layer Swiss cheese slices onto each bread surface.
3. Position ham atop the cheese on one bread slice, then carefully unite the sandwich halves.
4. Whisk egg and half and half in a shallow bowl until thoroughly integrated.
5. Warm a skillet over medium heat, melting butter until it shimmers and coats the pan’s surface.
6. Submerge entire sandwich into egg mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Transfer sandwich to heated skillet, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
8. Carefully rotate sandwich, grilling opposite side until equally bronzed and crisp.
9. Transfer to serving plate, optionally dusting with delicate powdered sugar and accompanying with vibrant strawberry preserves.
10. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bread to prevent sogginess and maintain a crispy exterior when grilling.
• Blot ham with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier sandwich without water pooling.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or provolone for unique flavor profiles and added richness.
• Adjust egg mixture consistency by adding a splash of milk or cream for a lighter, more delicate coating that creates a golden-brown crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1060 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg