Gourmet Turkey and Gouda Monte Cristo
This savory and sweet Turkey and Gouda Monte Cristo is a gourmet twist on the classic sandwich, featuring layers of tender turkey breast, smoky Gouda cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce nestled between slices of rich challah or brioche. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with a melty cheese center, this sandwich is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying lunch or midday snack.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Challah or Brioche
8 slices (1/2 inch thick)
Dijon Mustard
3 tablespoons (none)
Smoked Gouda Cheese
6 ounces (shredded)
Turkey Breast
12 ounces (thinly sliced, cooked)
Kosher Salt
to taste (none)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce or Relish
1/2 cup (none)
Eggs
3 large (none)
Milk
1/3 cup (none)
Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons (none)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Lay each bread slice on a clean work surface. On one side only of each slice, spread a generous layer of Dijon mustard.
2
Distribute half of the shredded smoked gouda evenly over 4 slices of the bread.
3
Layer half of the turkey breast slices on top of the cheese. Lightly season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
4
Spread the cranberry sauce or relish evenly over the turkey layer.
5
Top with remaining turkey slices, again seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
6
Finish by layering the rest of the gouda cheese, then close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, pressing down gently.
7
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk, adding a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to taste.
8
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in each of two large skillets over medium-low heat.
9
Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
10
Place sandwiches in the skillets, cooking until each side is golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
11
Transfer browned sandwiches to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until cheese has melted thoroughly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Turkey and Gouda Monte Cristo?
It is a gourmet twist on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich featuring layers of turkey breast, smoked Gouda cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce on rich bread like challah or brioche, which is dipped in an egg mixture and pan-fried.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Rich, sturdy breads like Challah or Brioche are best. They should be sliced approximately 1/2 inch thick to hold up to the egg dip and fillings.
Can I substitute the Smoked Gouda?
While Smoked Gouda provides a unique smoky flavor, you can substitute it with regular Gouda, Gruyere, or Swiss cheese if preferred.
How much turkey do I need?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of thinly sliced, cooked turkey breast for 4 sandwiches.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
Whole berry cranberry sauce or cranberry relish is recommended for the best texture and flavor balance.
Why do the sandwiches need to be baked after pan-frying?
Baking for 6 to 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that the cheese in the center is thoroughly melted without burning the bread.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp contrast to the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and the richness of the bread and cheese.
How many eggs are needed for the dipping mixture?
The recipe uses 3 large eggs whisked with 1/3 cup of milk.
What is the best way to cook the sandwiches in the skillet?
Heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and vegetable oil over medium-low heat and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 full-sized sandwiches.
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Yes, thinly sliced leftover roasted turkey breast works perfectly for this recipe.
Is it necessary to use both butter and oil?
Using both allows for the rich flavor of butter while the vegetable oil helps prevent the butter from burning at high temperatures.
How do I prevent the sandwich from being soggy?
Ensure the bread is sliced thick and that you only dip it briefly in the egg mixture rather than soaking it.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can assemble the sandwiches (without dipping) ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What can I serve with a Monte Cristo?
These sandwiches pair well with a simple green salad, sweet potato fries, or even a cup of light soup.
Should the turkey be hot or cold when assembling?
The turkey can be cold or room temperature when assembling as the pan-frying and baking steps will heat it through.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard, though Dijon provides the most classic gourmet profile.
Is the Gouda cheese shredded or sliced?
The recipe recommends using 6 ounces of shredded smoked Gouda for even melting.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced 1/2 inch thick to provide enough structure for the fillings.
Can I make this on a griddle?
Yes, a griddle works well for the browning stage as long as you can maintain a medium-low heat.
Is this recipe sweet or savory?
It is a combination of both, with savory turkey and cheese balanced by sweet cranberry sauce and rich bread.
Do I need to season the sandwiches?
Yes, light seasoning with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper on the turkey layers is recommended.
Can I use milk alternatives like almond milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond or soy milk can be used in the egg wash, though dairy milk provides a richer finish.
How do I know when the sandwich is finished?
The sandwich is done when the bread is golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
Should I press down on the sandwiches?
Yes, pressing down gently after closing the sandwiches helps the layers adhere before dipping.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need two large skillets, a shallow dish for the egg wash, a baking sheet, and a whisk.
Can I use ham instead of turkey?
Traditional Monte Cristos often use ham, so you can certainly substitute or combine ham with the turkey.
Is this a good lunch recipe?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a satisfying lunch or midday snack.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries won't provide the same moisture or spreadable texture as sauce, so they are not a direct substitute.