Savory Monte Cristo Grinder
Indulge in the Savory Monte Cristo Grinder, a tantalizing twist on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich. This delightful combination of smoked turkey, savory ham, fresh vegetables, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled in a crusty French bread loaf, creates an irresistible flavor experience. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this elevated take omits the egg and French toast for a straightforward, yet deliciously satisfying meal. Try pairing it with a zesty mayo spread for an extra kick, or enjoy it as is for a comforting blend of textures and tastes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ham
1/4 lb (thinly sliced)
Smoked Turkey
1/4 lb (thinly sliced)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (cut into rings)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Maui Onion
1 medium (minced)
Tomato
1 (thinly sliced)
French Bread
1 loaf (split lengthwise)
Swiss Cheese
4 ounces (thinly sliced)
Dried Oregano
1-2 leaves (sprinkled)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced green bell pepper, minced garlic, and minced Maui onion.
3
Sauté the mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the bell peppers are crisp-tender and the onions are translucent. Remove from heat and set aside, reserving the oil.
4
On the bottom half of the split French bread, layer the thinly sliced ham, smoked turkey, tomato slices, sautéed bell pepper and onion mix.
5
Drizzle the reserved olive oil mixture over the layered ingredients, then sprinkle with dried oregano for added flavor.
6
Top with thinly sliced Swiss cheese and place the remaining half of the French bread loaf on top.
7
Wrap the entire sandwich in aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Monte Cristo Grinder?
It is a baked sandwich featuring a combination of smoked turkey, savory ham, fresh vegetables, and melted Swiss cheese served on a crusty French bread loaf.
How does this version differ from a traditional Monte Cristo?
Unlike the traditional version, this recipe omits the egg dip and French toast preparation, opting for a baked grinder style that is straightforward and satisfying.
What meats are required for this recipe?
You will need 1/4 lb of thinly sliced ham and 1/4 lb of thinly sliced smoked turkey.
What type of bread is best for a Savory Monte Cristo Grinder?
A standard French bread loaf, split lengthwise, is used to provide the perfect crusty exterior for the sandwich.
Which cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of thinly sliced Swiss cheese to provide a melted, bubbly finish.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes a green bell pepper, a medium Maui onion, fresh tomato slices, and minced garlic.
Do I need to cook the vegetables before assembly?
Yes, you should sauté the sliced green bell pepper, minced garlic, and minced Maui onion in olive oil for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp-tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the sandwich.
How long should the sandwich bake?
The sandwich should bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should the sandwich be wrapped in foil?
Yes, the entire sandwich should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
What spices are used to season the grinder?
The recipe uses 1-2 leaves of dried oregano sprinkled over the layered ingredients for added flavor.
What is the purpose of the Maui onion in this recipe?
Maui onions provide a sweet, mild flavor that complements the savory meats and the Swiss cheese perfectly.
How should I prepare the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be cut into rings before being sautéed with the garlic and onion.
Can I add any condiments to this sandwich?
While great as is, it is recommended to pair it with a zesty mayo spread for an extra kick.
Is there a specific way to layer the ingredients?
Start with ham, then turkey, followed by tomato slices and the sautéed pepper and onion mixture before adding the cheese.
What do I do with the olive oil left over from sautéing?
Drizzle the reserved olive oil mixture over the layered ingredients inside the bread for extra moisture and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: ham, turkey, bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, Maui onion, tomato, French bread, Swiss cheese, and dried oregano.
What makes this an 'easy recipe'?
It uses simple preparation techniques like sautéing and baking, and omits the more complex steps of traditional Monte Cristo battering.
Is this sandwich suitable for lunch or snacks?
Yes, it is designed to be a versatile meal, perfect for a hearty lunch or a comforting snack.
Can I substitute the Maui onion if I can't find one?
If Maui onions are unavailable, you can substitute another sweet onion variety like Vidalia or Walla Walla.
How should the tomato be prepared?
The tomato should be thinly sliced and layered in the middle of the sandwich.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as comfort food due to its warm, melted cheese and hearty blend of meats and bread.
Should the French bread be toasted before assembly?
No, the bread is baked once the sandwich is fully assembled and wrapped in foil.
What is the role of garlic in the recipe?
Minced garlic is sautéed with the peppers and onions to provide a savory aromatic base for the sandwich.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
While you can sauté the vegetables in advance, the sandwich is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melted.
How do I serve the Savory Monte Cristo Grinder?
Remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice the loaf into individual portions for serving.
Is the turkey smoked or plain?
The recipe specifically calls for smoked turkey to add a layer of depth and savory flavor.
How thick should the cheese be?
The Swiss cheese should be thinly sliced to ensure it melts evenly over the other ingredients.
Does the recipe include any sugar or honey?
No, this version focuses on savory flavors and does not include traditional Monte Cristo sweeteners like powdered sugar or jam.
What type of olive oil should I use?
A standard olive oil for sautéing is sufficient to cook the vegetables and drizzle over the filling.