Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich Delight
Experience a taste of nostalgia with our Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich Delight, inspired by the original 1949 recipe from the Brown Derby Cookbook. This delectable sandwich combines layers of savory turkey, ham, and swiss cheese, nestled between buttery, golden-brown slices of bread. Perfect for any meal of the day, from a hearty breakfast to a satisfying dinner, this dish captures the essence of comfort food. Traditionally dusted with sweet confectioner's sugar and served alongside tart red currant jelly, it promises to tantalize your taste buds. A dab of Dijon mustard adds a French touch, enhancing its incredible flavor. Gather your friends and family to enjoy this timeless recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
2
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
milk
1/4 cup
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
butter
5 tablespoons (softened)
white bread
6 slices (thinly sliced)
cooked turkey
4 slices (thinly sliced)
cooked ham
4 slices (thinly sliced)
Swiss cheese
4 slices (thinly sliced)
confectioners' sugar
for dusting
red currant jelly
for serving
Instructions
1
In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs together with the milk. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set this mixture aside.
2
Take 6 slices of white bread and spread softened butter on both sides of each slice to ensure a crispy, buttery finish.
3
To assemble each sandwich, place 2 slices of turkey and 2 slices of ham between any two slices of the buttered bread.
4
Add 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the meats, then cap it with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich.
5
Trim the crusts off the sandwiches for a classic presentation, secure with toothpicks to hold them together, and cut each sandwich in half diagonally.
6
In a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it begins to foam.
7
While the butter is melting, dip each sandwich half in the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
8
Once the butter is ready, place the coated sandwich halves in the skillet and fry until they are golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side.
9
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, carefully turn the sandwiches, and fry for an additional 2 minutes until both sides are perfectly golden.
10
After frying, transfer the sandwiches to serving plates, dust generously with confectioner’s sugar, and serve hot with a side of red currant jelly for dipping.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of this Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the original 1949 version found in the Brown Derby Cookbook.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What type of bread is recommended for the Monte Cristo?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of thinly sliced white bread.
Which meats are used in this sandwich?
The sandwich uses 4 slices of thinly sliced cooked turkey and 4 slices of thinly sliced cooked ham.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for this recipe, requiring 4 thinly sliced pieces.
How is the egg wash prepared?
The egg wash is made by lightly beating 2 eggs with 1/4 cup of milk, seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Why is butter spread on both sides of the bread slices?
Spreading softened butter on both sides of each slice ensures a crispy and buttery finish.
Should the crusts be removed from the sandwich?
Yes, for a classic presentation, it is recommended to trim the crusts off the sandwiches after assembly.
How do I keep the sandwich layers together while frying?
You should secure the sandwiches with toothpicks to hold them together before cutting and frying.
What is the proper way to cut a Monte Cristo?
The sandwiches should be cut in half diagonally before they are dipped in the egg mixture.
How much butter is used for frying the sandwiches?
A total of 4 tablespoons of butter are used for frying: 2 tablespoons initially, and another 2 tablespoons when turning the sandwiches.
How long should I fry each side of the sandwich?
Fry each side for approximately 2 minutes until they are perfectly golden brown.
What are the traditional garnishes for this sandwich?
Traditionally, the sandwich is dusted with confectioner's sugar and served with red currant jelly.
What flavor does Dijon mustard add to the recipe?
A dab of Dijon mustard adds a French touch that enhances the incredible overall flavor of the dish.
What is the calorie count for one serving of this Monte Cristo?
One serving contains 400 calories.
How much protein is in the Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich Delight?
Each serving provides 17.5g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 22.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this sandwich suitable for breakfast or dinner?
Yes, it is versatile enough for any meal, ranging from a hearty breakfast to a satisfying dinner.
How many total ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients required to make this sandwich.
What should the skillet heat be set to?
The butter should be melted over medium heat until it begins to foam.
What jelly is traditionally served with a Monte Cristo?
Red currant jelly is the traditional accompaniment for dipping.
How much milk is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of milk.
Can I use freshly ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends seasoning the egg mixture with freshly ground black pepper.
What is the preparation for the turkey and ham?
Both the cooked turkey and cooked ham should be thinly sliced.
How many slices of bread make up one sandwich?
Each complete sandwich uses three slices of bread: two slices for the base/middle and one to cap it off.
Should the sandwiches be served hot or cold?
The sandwiches should be served hot immediately after frying and dusting with sugar.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the egg-coated bread from sticking.
Is the butter used for spreading the same as the butter used for frying?
The recipe uses a total of 5 tablespoons of butter: some for spreading and some for frying in the skillet.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar data?
According to the nutritional data provided, the specific amounts for fiber and sugar are not listed (null).