Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
This recipe for a Monte Cristo sandwich will have you craving them morning, noon, and night. It’s an easy twist on the basic ham and cheese combination and oh so very satisfying. Plus, it’s the perfect place for leftover ham.
When you have leftover ham, you make sandwiches. At least we do. And not just any sandwich, a Monte Cristo. Yeah. That’s what I’m talking about.
If you’ve never enjoyed a Monte Cristo, well, we’ve got to change that. What is a Monte Cristo, you say? Basically, it’s just the best ham and cheese sandwich ever! And it’s so cosmopolitan-ish sounding too.
A variation of the Croque-monsieur, the Monte Cristo is made with ham, cheese, a bit of mustard, and mayonnaise, then it’s dipped in egg and cooked just like french toast. Say whaaat?!? Yep, no joke. It’s kind of crazy, isn’t it? Crazy town is what it is. We’re walking on the wild side with this sandwich, people.
How to make Monte Christo sandwich?
- Place two slices of white bread on a flat surface. Spread mustard on one slice and mayonnaise on the other.
- Add thin slices of ham shredded gruyere cheese on top of the mustard and cover the cheese with the other part of the sandwich. In a nonstick pan over medium heat, add butter to melt.
- In a shallow bowl, add the eggs and whisk them until the egg whites and yolks are incorporated. Carefully dip the sandwiches in on both sides. Once the butter has been melted, fry on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on top!
The Monte Cristo isn’t just for lunch or dinner either. Talk about a great breakfast sandwich. Sometimes the Monte Cristo is served with preserves and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, so I think breakfast is totally appropriate, don’t you? We also enjoy these sandwiches with a small bit of honey. This sandwich really does make the most perfect savory and sweet combination with a just a bit of sweet added.
Tips and variations:
- To make a Monte Christo sandwich ahead of time, fill the sandwiches with mustard, mayo, ham, and cheese, then wrap those in a foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Once you are ready to eat, dip the sandwiches in the egg, fry in butter and enjoy!
- You can reheat the sandwich back in the pan over low/medium heat. Or also in the microwave.
- For crunchy and golden brown outside, make sure to use a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan and have it preheated over medium heat.
- A light dist of sugar or a little bit of honey gives this sandwich a delicious chef’s touch.
Of course, this sandwich is on the decadent side, so it’s not an all-the-time sort of thing. But if you plan a brunch, or have leftover ham in need of a job, give this Monte Cristo a try. I think you’ll be glad you did.
More delicious breakfast and sandwich recipes you will enjoy:
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins
- Easy Sausage Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Mozzarella Basil Sandwich
- Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
- Hash Brown Casserole
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
Ham and cheese never looked so good. Try this easy Monte Cristo Sandwich for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Ingredients
Instructions
I’m tickled that you’re here! Like you, I wear many hats, and live to tell about it. This space is a place for sharing food, home, garden, travel and lifestyle tidbits, with some fun always thrown in for good measure.
These sandwiches look really delicious!!!
What has run onto the plate in the forefront of the main picture?
Cheese? Honey?
Hello Mary,
It’s a bit of honey. I think honey is such a great compliment to ham.
Amy:
I thought that might be what it was. Love your blog and thanks for responding so quickly. Looks yummy!
Ummmm… Your recipe looks delicious! But you can’t call it a Monte Cristo. A proper Monte Cristo is made with Turkey, Ham, Swiss, and then dipped in egg and cooked like the french toast you mentioned. So give yourself two thumbs up for your delectable creativity, and give your sandwich a new name.
Hello, Krista. From what I’ve learned, the original Monte Cristo was made with ham and swiss, then battered with egg and pan fried or even deep fried. Some variations I’ve seen include turkey, chicken and even bacon. So, I will not be changing the name.
Love the response Amy. I think @Krista should stay in her lane and save her commentsfor the birds. Great recipe
I use bacon in mine all the time. Thank you.
I think Muenster and American cheese makes a great one..sidelined with a nice strawberry preserve
Damn Krista. Get a day job.
Fronc, You ronc! 🙂
We also dust with power sugar
Wow, rude much?!
Is that a sprinkle of powdered sugar? I’m making this soon! Looks so good and sounds so easy.
Krista krista krista…. How wrong you are.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Cristo_sandwich
A monte cristo is a play on the Croque Monsieur, which is ham and gruyere.
You forgot strawberry or raspberry preserves for dipping
No no.. no mustard, no mayo, JUST strawberry jelly 😛 YUM
Just made this and oh my. Idk why but when I took my first bite it was sooo tasty the mustard and the meat reminded me of a eating a Cuban sandwich. This will now be in my rotation. Thank you
Delis recipe, I use maple syrup here in Canada! Lovely!
There’s just something about Monte Cristos that just melt in your mouth… DELISH!
I love a good Monte Christo. The only thing is….I’ve always had them with jelly.
Yours looks great!
Forget mayo and mustard. Use strawberry jam. Yum!
I made this for the first time,it is so yummy. I topped it with old fashioned maple syrup
Only one of my favorite sandwiches ever! Gorgeous pics!
One of my favorite sandwiches ever…and now, thanks a lot, one I want RIGHT NOW!
Looks terrific Amy.
Amy these are sheer perfection. I have some honey baked ham in my freezer from the holidays so I’m totally making these. I seriously just want to reach in the screen and snag one or three.
Hello Kim,
We used a honey baked ham and it was perfect! And, shhhh, don’t tell, but we’ve made them 3 different days in the past week.
gotta use up that delicious ham
This looks insanely delicious! I need to try one already!
We have swiss cheese in the fridge. Can we use that instead?
Hello Geraldine,
Swiss cheese would be perfect! I hope you enjoy it.
What about mozzarella?
You could try that.
Mozzarella makes the sandwich very bland!! A nice sharp cheddar cheese is how all the restaurants I ever worked at made them that way!
So glad to see someone who cooks a Monte Cristo the *right* way…not the deep fried abomination!
Back in the 70’s, we battered them & deep fried them…
When I use to work in a restaurant we made ours with turkey, ham and Swiss cheese dipped in a french toast batter and grilled. No mustard,just mayo.
I’ve heard that a true Monto Carlo sandwich was Ham, Turkey, cheese & mustard & 1 pickle
And then do it like the other people has made theirs and sprinkled powered sugar & rasberry preserves to dip it in ! I’ve only had 2 but after seeing this picture I’m wanting one, looks great
I agree with the last comment! The best sandwich ever! But not good for people with high blood pressure, sodium count is so high! I would love just a bite of one tho. Gotta have turkey, ham and Swiss cheese dipped in egg batter and grilled, usually they deep fry and sprinkle with powdered sugar! DELISH!!!
I’ll take that whole stack! And another one to go! 😉 Beautiful sammich!
Thanks for bringing this yummy dish to the front of my memory. I remember having this dish at a very posh eatery and they did serve it with powdered sugar and wait for it……………….grape jelly. No matter the dish was wonderful.
Hello Barb,
I’m totally trying it with grape jelly next time.
raspberry jelly is the bomb,,, ive had one in a tortilla dipped and fried… yummy every way……..
Oh my word … that sounds crazy good, Lynn!
always dip in strawberry jam..delish
orange marmalade.
I always make Monte Cristo sandwiches with our leftover Christmas ham. I need to remember it more often throughout the year.
I have never had a monte cristo sandwich before until this evening. These were easy, fast and AMAZING!
On a blogger note, what do you use to have the option of the recipe printable?
Do you have to use mayo? I’m fine with the mustard but no one in my house likes mayo.
Hello Tammy,
You don’t have to use mayo. Make it to your preference.
What other kind oof cheese would work? I generally only have Monterey Jack, Mozerella or medium cheddar in the house.
Hello Aymmie,
I think whatever your favorite is would work. 😉 Really, whatever you like best with ham. Personally, I’d go with Monterey Jack. YUM!
Are you kidding!? I have done left over ham and was wishing I had a few more recipes for the leftovers. Can’t wait to give this a try! Pinning….
These are delicious with a little powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jam!
Oh yum, raspberry!
My daughter loved these at a local rest. called Bennigan’s & it closed. I a so thankful for this recipe. We just made a ham left in freezer from Christmas sales. (get another at Easter). My brother & I have High Blood Pressure, but we manage our salt intake all year. This is a treat. I keep the bone & some meat for split pea soup now that cold weather is here;):)
We used to get them at bennigan’s also. It closed years ago but they made the best Monte cristo I’ve ever had
Fact. None better
Just finished having these for dinner! Made a few changes: Used Dijon mustard (or as my husband called it “fanc mustard” Lol!), and used sliced American cheese and mozzarella. I didn’t have left over ham, which would have been amazing, so I just used what was on sale at Walmart and had them slice it thick like spiral cut ham! They turned out great! Like a grilled cheese sandwich with ham! The mustard gives it an extra kick, especially the Dijon! Mmmm. Also – I was thinking about the idea of preserves or confectioners sugar on the side. Something sweet! So I had some home canned peaches with it. Hit the spot perfectly! If you’re not putting anything on it, I’d suggest a sweet side dish to go with it! Thanks for the recipe!
Peaches sound like a wonderful partner for this sandwich, Kimberly!
I have some ham left from Christmas, also have some cranberries in the freezer, I think these will go very well together, can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks.
what is the best substitute for gruyere cheese? swiss or monterey jack? I can never find shredded gruyere cheese here anywhere.
Hmmmm … maybe swiss? I didn’t find shredded gruyere either. Just shredded it myself.
I cut my block of gruyere very thinly with a cheese slicer and it still melted. Jarlsburg is good, too, but you also have to cut or shred it yourself.
Village inn use to have it and they had a dip but I don’t think it was a jam but o so goood
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Can whole wheat bread be used? I never use white bread anymore. Thanks!
Of course! Use your favorite bread.
It looks delicious. I´ll do it, very soon.
Hello! Congratulations on your website!
I shared it on my page Attebasile
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I will be having 6 people over for a brunch. If I made these ahead could I keep them in a warm oven till ready to serve? Or would they get soggy!?
Hmmm … that’s a good question. Maybe if you kept them on baking rack set on a baking sheet that may keep them from getting soggy. But you may need to do a test run. 😉 Let me know how it goes!
That is a great idea!! I will try the baking rack and let you know how it works. Thanks!!!!
Hi Amy. I cook for about 40-50 elderly and disabled people each day. I wanted to make these for that group, but couldn’t remember the recipe. Other sites had this in one form or another, but your site made it so simple! Thanks! Now I know what I’m doing again, lol.
This just looks fantastic! I have eaten these at a restaurant, but never at home. I will now! 🙂
Raspberry jam on the side for dipping is the craziest best combination!!! Love a good Monte cristo!
Oh my goodness! Raspberry jam is happening next time, for sure.
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I have made these for many years. I usually use a whole wheat sandwich bread, turkey, sliced Swiss and ham. If I am making them for a crowd, I make up all the layered sandwiches on the counter and cover them with plastic wrap until i dip them in batter and fry.. I add a little salt and sugar to the egg batter. I make a sweet sauce with frozen strawberries or raspberries that I thaw, simmer with some sugar until hot and add a little corn starch slurry to thicken it up before serving. I love the sweet & salty combination!
This is the kind of response I am looking for Valarie! The very BEST Monte Cristo sandwiches I have had have been served with fresh jams or warm fruit compotes. Thank you! I thought I was going crazy! 😉
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Just wanted to say, when I made these I served them with the preserves I had on hand…
So, I know that they go wonderfully with blackberry preserves and [of all things] marmalade!
The sweet & the savory are a great combination.
Those both sound delicious, Reva.
Try making it with Boars Head Butterkäse cheese instead.
Wow! This sandwich really looks yummy! And made with Gruyere cheese. The finest. Thank you for this luscious recipe.
I had just made this last night and it was GREAT!!! I will definitely be making this sandwich many more times, Thank You for the recipe.
So happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Gary!
When applying the mustard and mayo do you mix them together as one mixture or. Do you put mayo on one slice of bread and mustard on the other slice of bread.
I apply them separately, Kenny. But I don’t think it matters how you do it.
Can this be made on a panini press?
Yes, a well oiled or non-stick should work well.
I want to do these for brinner (breakfast for dinner)- what would you pair with them? I was thinking maybe fresh fruit (obviously), but what about veggies? My first instinct is a green salad, but I didn’t know if there was something more commonly paired with them.
Thanks!
I don’t know of any side that is commonly paired with them. I think a fresh green salad is a great idea!
This was my very first Monte Cristo and I loved it! I used provolone and I did not regret a things about it.
Is that cole slaw in the middle of one of those sandwiches? That’s what I do with mine. It gives it just a little tartness and enough messiness that you have enjoyed your sandwich to nth degree!
No coleslaw, but I will have to try that.
My lordy! That was one delicious sandwich! I made with leftover ham and velveeta cheese, then drizzled honey all over it. Served with French onion soup and some potato chips. My 12-year old son loved it, too! Thank you!!!
I have been searching for Monte Cristo Sandwich recipes on Pinterest. All fails except a slider I am going to try. This recipe I will try Sunday. But with the following changes. Swiss Lorraine, Honey ham and Turkey. I will be mixing the mayo with the mustard as I will be using some BlackBerry preserves on the other inside half of this sandwich. It will get sprinkled with just a touch of powdered sugar and a teaspoon of the blackberry preserves on the side.
Only a TEASPOON of jam?
There’s more in one of those McDonald’s to go jam packages…
I’d look at my plate, look at you with one eyebrow raised and…
Start eating the ‘Cristo and ask for more jam please!
I used to work in a restaurant, back in the early 90’s that served these sandwiches with melba sauce. I think they may have been made a little differently, I can’t remember.
These are so delicious, and warming on a cold night. I substituted a sweet bourbon mustard made in Maine and my homemade savory cranberry sauce for the condiments. It’s the simple things that bring the biggest pleasures.
Hi!
Perhaps this will sound dumb, as I am not very good in the kitchen department. After dipping the bread in the egg, do you dip both sides? and do you cook one side before putting the sandwich together?
No questions are dumb questions, Norma. We all have questions from time to time. The sandwiches are assembled before dipping, then carefully dipped (both sides) before placing in pan to cook.
Dianeyland has the best monte cristo sandwiches in the world! Just saying. Theirs are battered then fried.
I agree that Disneyland has great monte cristo sandwiches. I am definitely getting one next time that I go there!
Here’s a funny story. Funny, but true. When I was first living on my own back in the early 90s, I had a little leftover egg wash so I made a ham and cheese sandwich and got the brilliant idea to dip it in the egg wash and fry it up like French toast. I called my mother (who was a great cook) and said to her, “Mom, I just invented the best sandwich in the world; I’m going to be a millionaire”! She asked what it was and I told her, “I put ham and cheese on white bread, dipped in egg wash, and fried it up like French toast. It’s best sandwich I’ve ever tasted”! She said, “you dummy, that’s a Monte Cristo, it’s been around forever”. Well there went my Millions.
Add a fried egg!!!!
Try using waffles and top with syrup.
Here and there, I have eaten the Monte Cristo when I find it on the menu and it never disappoints! The first place I had it though, dusted it with powdered sugar and served it with heated maple syrup to dip each mouth watering bite. So I have always asked for some maple syrup to go with mine, but the raspberry jam sounds really great too! I’ll have to check that out next time.
I too have always had it with the maple syrup. Surprised not to see it mentioned in the previousd comments.
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Eating this right now…FABULOUS! Made mine with swiss. Still so good. Next time, maple syrup on the side sounds like a nice bonus to this already delish meal.
It was delicious and very easy to make thanks for the recipe
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We’re having these tonight. Can’t wait. Never had one before, but it sounds delicious. Using provolone on mine. May dip in a little bit of maple syrup.😍
Absolutely love your creative idea with Monte Cristo sandwich! Can I post it on my blog? Thanks for sharing, Amy!
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Amy, thanks! Made this last night so quick, easy and tasty!
I’m going to try this with some thick sliced pepper bacon and cheddar with a savory caramelized onion sauce.
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This looks delicious. Your blog is awesome!
Great recipe. Made this for dinner last night and it turned out great. Do not soak the sandwich too long in the egg dip, do it very quickly. Daughter loved this so much, she requested a second sandwich for her lunch today. She is a big fan of Bennigan’s Monte Cristo as well. Used grape jelly instead of strawberry and it was yummy. My daughter preferred the grape anyway
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I use to make these in a restaurant I worked in years ago. I would add the ham and cheese and then dip them in French Toast batter and make them. They are still on the menu now in that same restaurant.
I think this taste like the bennigans Monte Cristo, without as much breading (which I prefered), plus it isn’t all greasy. We have seven in our family, so by the end of making these, I figured out why some were soggy. I used a pie pan for the liquids, and a slotted metal spatula. Build the sandwich, then place in the liquid, QUICKLY scoop flip and quickly remove allowing the excess to drip off.
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this is VERY good!
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Basic ham and cheese will turn into mouthwatering recipe. I heard about Monte Cristo recipe and I know this is the best. I can prepare this in any kind of occasion. I should add this recipe on our anniversary.
This was easy and quick to throw together after baseball. The kids loved it
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I am doing an in-school practical to make a Monte Cristo sandwich but I can’t find anything that would go with it to put on a menu I am making so could you please suggest something that can be made that is simple
I apologize for the delayed reply. Monte Cristo is typically a breakfast or brunch sandwich, so I would serve it with other breakfast foods, perhaps breakfast potatoes and fruit?
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Great sandwich!
YUM YUM YUM wow i am full!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you for this great Recipie!!
Such an Amazing Post..I love to read it .
This recipe HIT THE SPOT!!! Thank you! I left out the mayo, mustard and salt. For the cheese I used a sharp white cheddar, thinly sliced and then after cook dipped in raspberry jam. So good and SUPER easy!!
This information is wonderful. So it is a bit funny that the Monte Cristo sandwich may as well be one of my favorites, but I have never tried to make it by myself. I would like to think the comments I have read will encourage me to finally try to make mine. I also hope I get it right because I Intend to add some modifications based on the common recommendations on this page.
I tried this recipe and had a bit of trouble getting it done, although I may re-visit it again now looking at it again. I did however make it slightly different. Do french toast with the bread, put the mayo/dijon on both pieces, then the gruyere and then broil that side until the cheese melted. Serve it open face with ham on each piece (or Canadian bacon). Well received. The Dijon though… genius.
It’s so delicious and easy to make
Cracking sandwich!
Great recipe. Made this for dinner last night and it turned out great. Do not soak the sandwich too long in the egg dip do it very quickly. Daughter loved this so much she requested a second sandwich for her lunch today
Absolutely yummy….My whole family and friends loves when I make these. Truly our favorite meal, especially now that my kids are old enough to help me make it.
Haven’t had one of these in year’s and I’ve been wanting one, they’re good with maple syrup slathered on the top. Yummy.
I forgot the mayonnaise and mustard and these were delicious. I probably will make them just the same next time. We used whole-wheat bread for some and raisin-cinnamon bread for others and both were really good.
In New England, we top it with maple syrup
That doesn’t seem like a lot of cheese. Is it really just 1/4 ounce per sandwich?
Great recipe. Made this for dinner last night and it turned out great. Do not soak the sandwich too long in the egg dip do it very quickly.