Decadent Open-Faced Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Discover the brunch delight that will elevate your weekend mornings! These Decadent Open-Faced Monte Cristo Sandwiches are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Inspired by a memorable visit to friends in Colorado, this recipe features hearty slices of bread slathered with strawberry jam, layered with succulent turkey and smoked ham, all topped with ooey-gooey Swiss cheese. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, these sandwiches are great for those lazy weekend brunches when you want to impress your family with minimal effort. Serve them warm and satisfying, with a dusting of powdered sugar for that gourmet touch!
4
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Eggs
2 (whisked)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
White Bread
4 slices (1 inch thick)
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
Strawberry Jam or Red Currant Jelly
4 tablespoons (none)
Thinly Sliced Cooked Turkey or Chicken
4 ounces (none)
Thinly Sliced Smoked Ham
4 ounces (none)
Swiss Cheese
8 slices (none)
Powdered Sugar
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2
Carefully dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated without soaking them too long.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it sizzles. Add the prepared bread slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
4
Once toasted, spread 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam on one side of each slice of bread. Layer the turkey, smoked ham, and a generous portion of Swiss cheese on top.
5
Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven, 5 inches from the heat source, for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6
For a touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving. Enjoy these fabulous open-faced sandwiches hot and fresh!
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
25
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Monte Cristo sandwiches decadent?
These sandwiches are decadent because they combine rich savory meats like turkey and smoked ham with sweet strawberry jam and melted Swiss cheese, all on egg-dipped, buttery toasted bread.
Is this a traditional Monte Cristo recipe?
This is an open-faced variation of the classic Monte Cristo, emphasizing ease of preparation and a gourmet presentation suitable for brunch.
What kind of bread should I use?
The recipe calls for four slices of white bread, ideally cut 1 inch thick to hold the egg mixture and toppings effectively.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I substitute the turkey for another meat?
Yes, you can use thinly sliced cooked chicken instead of turkey.
What type of jam is recommended?
Strawberry jam is recommended, but red currant jelly is a great alternative for a slightly different flavor profile.
How many eggs are needed for the egg wash?
You will need 2 large eggs, whisked, for the egg mixture.
How do I prepare the egg mixture?
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How long should I dip the bread in the egg mixture?
You should coat both sides of the bread without soaking them too long to prevent the bread from becoming overly soggy.
What is the best way to cook the bread slices?
Cook them in a large skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
When do I add the strawberry jam?
Spread 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam on one side of each bread slice after they have been toasted in the skillet.
How is the cheese melted?
The assembled sandwiches are placed on a baking sheet and broiled in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
At what distance should I broil the sandwiches?
Broil the sandwiches approximately 5 inches from the heat source.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 slices of Swiss cheese.
Is there a final garnish for these sandwiches?
Yes, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this sandwich provide?
One serving provides 15 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! It is described as an easy recipe that allows you to impress your family with minimal effort.
What inspired this specific recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a memorable visit to friends in Colorado.
Is this sandwich served hot or cold?
These sandwiches are best enjoyed hot and fresh immediately after broiling.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under brunch, breakfast, and comfort food.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar data?
Fiber and sugar content were not specified in the nutritional data provided.
What kind of ham should I buy?
The recipe suggests 4 ounces of thinly sliced smoked ham.
How many slices of cheese go on each sandwich?
With 8 slices total for 4 servings, each sandwich receives 2 slices of Swiss cheese.
Can I prepare the egg mixture in advance?
While the recipe doesn't specify, egg washes are best prepared fresh right before dipping and cooking.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is a great option for lazy weekend mornings.