Baked Monte Cristo Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Baked Monte Cristo Delight, a scrumptious twist on a classic brunch favorite! This oven-baked sandwich showcases layers of melty Swiss cheese, savory ham, and tender turkey, all enveloped in slices of golden challah bread. Enhanced with a touch of honey Dijon mustard for a punch of flavor, this dish is an ideal choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With the use of low-fat ingredients and a baking technique instead of frying, this version keeps the calories in check without sacrificing taste. The addition of raspberry preserves provides a delightful contrast of sweetness, making it a delightful treat for any time of day. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible sandwich that satisfies both hunger and cravings!
N/A
Servings
325
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Challah bread
8 slices (sliced)
Honey Dijon mustard
4 teaspoons (spread on bread)
Swiss cheese
8 slices (thinly sliced)
Deli ham
8 slices (thinly sliced)
Deli turkey
8 slices (thinly sliced, smoked preferred)
Eggs
3 large (beaten)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Melted butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Low-fat milk
2 tablespoons (to keep it low in fat)
Powdered sugar
as needed (for dusting)
Raspberry preserves
to serve (for dipping)
Fresh raspberries
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
3
On each slice of challah bread, spread 1/2 teaspoon of honey Dijon mustard.
4
Assemble the sandwiches by placing 1 slice of Swiss cheese on the mustard side of one slice of bread. Layer with 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of turkey, followed by another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of mustard-coated bread.
5
Repeat the process until you have made four hearty sandwiches.
6
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, melted butter, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
7
Gradually mix in the low-fat milk until everything is combined.
8
Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are lightly soaked, but not overly saturated.
9
Place the drenched sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet, and drizzle any leftover egg mixture over the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom side is a beautiful golden brown.
11
Using a wide spatula, gently flip each sandwich and continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
12
Remove from the oven and serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside raspberry preserves for dipping or spreading.
13
Garnish your plate with fresh raspberries for a vibrant touch.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Monte Cristo Delight?
It is a scrumptious, oven-baked twist on a classic brunch favorite featuring layers of Swiss cheese, ham, and turkey on challah bread.
What type of bread is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 8 slices of challah bread for a golden and tender sandwich base.
Is this Monte Cristo fried?
No, this version is baked at 425°F to keep calories lower without sacrificing the signature taste.
What meats are included in the sandwich?
The recipe calls for thinly sliced deli ham and deli turkey, with smoked turkey being the preferred choice.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Thinly sliced Swiss cheese is used to provide a melty, savory layer.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What ingredients are in the egg coating mixture?
The coating is made from 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of low-fat milk.
How long do the sandwiches need to bake?
Bake for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
How do I serve the Monte Cristo?
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by raspberry preserves for dipping.
What can I use as a garnish?
Fresh raspberries make a vibrant and delicious garnish for the plate.
Does this recipe use mustard?
Yes, 4 teaspoons of honey Dijon mustard are spread onto the bread slices for added flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
The instructions guide you to make four hearty sandwiches.
Why is flour added to the egg mixture?
Flour is whisked into the eggs to help create a smoother, more substantial coating for the bread.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
Yes, lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests 2 tablespoons of low-fat milk to keep the fat content down.
How do I ensure the sandwich is not overly saturated?
Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture so both sides are lightly soaked but not soggy.
What if I have leftover egg mixture?
The instructions recommend drizzling any leftover egg mixture over the top of the sandwiches once they are on the baking sheet.
Is the turkey smoked or plain?
The recipe suggests that smoked deli turkey is preferred for the best flavor profile.
What provides the sweetness in this dish?
The sweetness comes from the powdered sugar dusting and the raspberry preserves used for dipping.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusted to taste.
Is challah bread the only option?
While challah is specified for its golden texture, it is chosen for its ability to hold the egg soak well.
Do I need to flip the sandwiches?
Yes, use a wide spatula to gently flip the sandwiches halfway through baking to ensure both sides are crisp.
How much honey Dijon mustard is used per slice?
Spread 1/2 teaspoon of honey Dijon mustard on each of the 8 slices of bread.
Is the butter melted before mixing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of butter should be melted before whisking it into the egg and flour mixture.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe requires 14 specific ingredients including garnishes and spreads.