Oven-Baked Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and savory with these Oven-Baked Monte Cristo Sandwiches. Made with layers of delicious ham and melted Gruyère cheese nestled between slices of fluffy bread, this French toast-inspired treat is perfect for breakfast or brunch. The unique baking method allows you to prepare multiple sandwiches at once, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing morning with family. Feel free to get creative by using your favorite bread, adding turkey for extra protein, or even spreading a hint of mustard for an added kick. Served with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jam, this dish promises to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread
8 slices (your choice of sandwich or French toast bread)
ham
4 slices (thinly sliced)
gruyere cheese
4 slices (or any cheese of preference)
eggs
4 (large eggs)
milk
1/3 cup (whole or your choice of milk)
cinnamon sugar
1/2 teaspoon (prepared or homemade)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure vanilla extract)
powdered sugar
to dust (for serving)
raspberry jam
for serving (your choice of jam or preserves)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and generously grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.
2
On a clean work surface, lay out 4 slices of your chosen bread. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Gruyère cheese on each piece, then top with the remaining slices of bread to form 4 sandwiches.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and frothy.
4
Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Allow any excess mixture to drip off before placing the sandwiches on the greased baking sheet.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Afterward, flip each sandwich over and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
6
Once baked, remove from the oven and dust the sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar. Serve warm with a side of raspberry jam for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Oven-Baked Monte Cristo Sandwich?
It is a sweet and savory sandwich made with ham and Gruyère cheese, dipped in a French toast-inspired egg mixture and baked until crisp.
What oven temperature is needed for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 sandwiches.
What type of bread is best for Monte Cristo sandwiches?
You can use your choice of standard sandwich bread or thick-cut French toast bread.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for Gruyère cheese, but you can substitute it with any cheese of your preference.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes, you can add or substitute turkey for extra protein based on your preference.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The mixture consists of 4 large eggs, 1/3 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease your baking sheet with cooking spray or butter before placing the sandwiches on it.
How long do I bake the Monte Cristo sandwiches?
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the sandwiches and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
Do I need to flip the sandwiches while baking?
Yes, flipping them halfway through ensures both sides become golden brown and crisp.
What is the best way to serve these sandwiches?
Serve them warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jam for dipping.
Can I add mustard to the recipe?
Yes, spreading a hint of mustard inside the sandwich can provide an added kick of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, the oven-baking method allows you to prepare multiple sandwiches at once, making it ideal for guests.
What type of milk should I use?
You can use whole milk or any milk of your choice.
What kind of jam is recommended for dipping?
Raspberry jam is the traditional choice, but any jam or preserves will work.
Can I use homemade cinnamon sugar?
Yes, you can use either prepared or homemade cinnamon sugar for the egg mixture.
How do I ensure the sandwich is well-coated?
Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture to coat both sides thoroughly, letting excess mixture drip off.
Why is vanilla extract added to the batter?
Vanilla extract adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the French toast style of the bread.
Is this a breakfast or brunch dish?
It is perfect for either breakfast or brunch due to its sweet and savory profile.
How do I know when the sandwiches are done?
They are ready when they are golden brown, crisp, and the cheese has melted.
What makes this 'French toast-inspired'?
The bread is dipped in a spiced egg and milk mixture, similar to how French toast is prepared.
Can I use different types of ham?
Yes, thinly sliced ham is recommended, but you can use any variety you enjoy.
What tools do I need?
You will need a baking sheet, a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a spatula for flipping.
Should the egg mixture be frothy?
Yes, whisking the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla until frothy ensures an even coating.
Can I skip the powdered sugar?
Yes, the powdered sugar is optional for those who prefer a less sweet finish.
Is Gruyère the only cheese that works?
No, while Gruyère provides a classic taste, Swiss or Provolone are also great alternatives.
How many slices of ham per sandwich?
This recipe uses 1 slice of ham per sandwich.
Does the recipe require salt?
The recipe does not list extra salt, as the ham and cheese typically provide enough savory flavor.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread.
Why bake instead of fry?
Baking is less messy than frying and allows you to cook a full batch of sandwiches at the same time.