Monte Cristo Sandwich

A deliciously indulgent sandwich with layers of turkey, ham, and melted cheese, all coated in a light egg mixture and fried to a golden crisp, perfect for lunch or a special treat!


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs (beaten until frothy)
  • ¼ cup Half and Half or whole milk

Fats

  • 3 tablespoons butter (for frying)

Breads

  • 12 slices of sturdy white bread (thicker slices recommended)

Condiments

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • Mustard (optional, Dijon or spicy brown)
  • Red currant jelly or blackberry jam (optional, for dipping)
  • Confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)

Proteins

  • ¼ lb. deli sliced turkey (oven-roasted preferred)
  • ¼ lb. deli sliced ham (Black Forest or Virginia ham recommended)

Cheese

  • 8 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or unsmoked Provolone as a substitute)

Directions

  1. Preparing the Egg Mixture
    In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and well combined.
  2. Cooking Preparation
    Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring the skillet is evenly coated to prevent sticking.
  3. Assembling the Sandwiches
  • Start by placing four slices of bread on a cutting board. Top each with a slice of cheese and a portion of ham.
  • Spread about ½ tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of another four slices of bread. Place these slices, mayonnaise side down, on top of the ham.
  • Spread another ½ tablespoon of mayonnaise on the top side of these bread slices. Add sliced turkey and another slice of cheese.
  • Finish by placing the last four slices of bread on top. Press the sandwiches slightly to adhere the layers together.
  1. Dipping and Frying
  • Dip each assembled sandwich briefly into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are lightly coated but not saturated.
  • Place the sandwiches in the hot skillet. Fry until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, then flip carefully to cook the other side.
  1. Serving
  • Cut each sandwich in half.
  • Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) for a touch of sweetness.
  • Serve with red currant jelly or blackberry jam on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Bread Choice: Use thicker slices of bread to help absorb the egg mixture without disintegrating.
  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Provolone for a unique flavor.
  • Additional Condiments: Add mustard to the mayonnaise for an extra flavor kick.

Enjoy this classic Monte Cristo Sandwich, with its crispy golden exterior and gooey, savory filling!

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