Ultimate Gourmet Monte Cristo Sandwich
This Ultimate Gourmet Monte Cristo Sandwich is a family favorite, perfectly blending savory and sweet flavors. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, this delightful sandwich features layers of deli ham and turkey, complemented by buttery American and Swiss cheeses. It's a feast that's both comforting and indulgent, making it a perfect choice for brunch or a special lunch. My kids request it constantly, especially paired with warm maple syrup for dipping. After experimenting with several recipes, we've crafted one that's become an absolute must-try in our home!
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm bread
8 slices (Choose a firm variety like Pepperidge Farm.)
deli ham
8 slices (Select high-quality deli ham.)
deli turkey
8 slices (Choose your preferred deli turkey.)
American cheese
4 slices (Can substitute with cheddar if preferred.)
Swiss cheese
4 slices (Use good-quality Swiss cheese.)
egg
1 (Beaten.)
water
1/2 cup (Room temperature.)
milk
1/2 cup (Room temperature.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Use fine sea salt.)
sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated sugar.)
flour
2/3 cup (All-purpose flour.)
baking powder
1 3/4 teaspoons (Use fresh for best results.)
honey Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (For a slight tang.)
powdered sugar
for garnish (Dust on top before serving.)
maple syrup or jam
for serving (Warm, for dipping.)
oil
for frying (Use a neutral oil suitable for frying.)
Instructions
1
Begin by assembling four hearty sandwiches. Layer two slices of deli ham and two slices of deli turkey on each sandwich, followed by a slice of American cheese and a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of bread to complete each sandwich.
2
In a medium mixing bowl (a square casserole dish works great), whisk together the beaten egg, water, milk, salt, sugar, flour, baking powder, and honey Dijon mustard until smooth.
3
In a large iron skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
4
Carefully dip each sandwich into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before gently placing the sandwiches into the hot oil.
5
Fry the sandwiches in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the skillet, until they are golden brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and fry until the other side is also golden brown, an additional 3-4 minutes.
6
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Dust the warm sandwiches with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
7
Allow the sandwiches to cool for a few minutes before slicing them into four manageable pieces, resembling fingers for easy dipping. Serve immediately with warm maple syrup or your favorite fruit jam for a delicious contrast.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
55g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What meats are used in the Ultimate Gourmet Monte Cristo Sandwich?
This recipe uses layers of high-quality deli ham and deli turkey, specifically two slices of each per sandwich.
What types of cheese are included in this recipe?
The sandwich features a combination of buttery American cheese and Swiss cheese for a gooey interior.
Can I substitute the American cheese with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the American cheese with cheddar if you prefer.
What kind of bread is best for a Monte Cristo?
A firm variety of bread, such as Pepperidge Farm, is recommended to hold up against the batter and frying process.
What ingredients are in the Monte Cristo batter?
The batter consists of a beaten egg, water, milk, salt, sugar, flour, baking powder, and honey Dijon mustard.
Why is honey Dijon mustard added to the batter?
Honey Dijon mustard is added to the batter to provide a slight tang that complements the savory meats.
How much oil should I use for frying?
You should heat about 1 inch of oil in a large iron skillet over medium heat.
How long do I fry the sandwiches?
Fry the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What is the recommended garnish for this sandwich?
Dust the warm sandwiches with powdered sugar immediately after frying for a touch of sweetness.
What should I serve with a Monte Cristo for dipping?
Warm maple syrup or your favorite fruit jam is recommended for a delicious contrast to the savory ingredients.
How many calories are in one Ultimate Gourmet Monte Cristo Sandwich?
Each sandwich contains approximately 600 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
How much fat is in this sandwich?
There are 30g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 55g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of skillet is recommended for frying?
A large iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution during frying.
How should I cut the sandwich before serving?
Slicing the sandwich into four manageable pieces or 'fingers' makes them easier to dip.
Should the milk and water be a specific temperature?
The recipe calls for room temperature milk and water when mixing the batter.
What type of salt should I use?
Fine sea salt is recommended for the batter.
Is there a specific brand of bread suggested?
Pepperidge Farm is mentioned as a good firm variety choice.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from being too greasy?
Place the cooked sandwiches on paper towels immediately after frying to absorb excess oil.
Can I fry all four sandwiches at once?
It is best to fry the sandwiches in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
What should the batter consistency be?
Whisk the batter ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth.
What is the best way to coat the sandwich in batter?
Dip each sandwich carefully into the batter to ensure it is well-coated, then allow any excess to drip off before frying.
When should I add the powdered sugar?
Dust the sandwiches while they are still warm for the best flavor and presentation.
What type of oil is best for frying this sandwich?
Use a neutral oil suitable for frying that can handle medium heat without smoking.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is described as an indulgent and comforting choice perfect for brunch or special lunches.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
The recipe provides instructions and ingredients for four hearty sandwiches.
How much baking powder is used in the batter?
The batter requires 1 and 3/4 teaspoons of baking powder.
Should the egg be prepared before mixing?
Yes, the egg should be beaten before being whisked into the other batter ingredients.
How long should the sandwiches cool before slicing?
Allow the sandwiches to cool for a few minutes to ensure they are manageable and the cheese has set slightly.