This delicious Monte Cristo Sandwich combines sweet and savory, with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese sandwiched with a touch of dijon, battered and cooked until crispy. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jam.

Looking for more sandwiches? Try my Croque Madame, Lobster Roll, or Tuna Melt!

A homemade Monte Cristo Sandwich cut in half and stacked on a plate.

Why I love this sandwich:

  • Quick – The best Monte Cristo sandwich only takes 20 minutes and you can prep the sandwiches and batter ahead of time.
  • Elevated – We all love a comforting ham and cheese sandwich, but this takes it to the next level! Originally inspired by the Croque Monsieur, this sandwich will be your new favorite!
  • Any meal of the day – Perfect for brunch, a quick lunch or dinner the whole family will enjoy!

How to Make a Monte Cristo:

Assemble Sandwiches: Lay two slices of bread side by side. Spread with a thin layer of Dijon mustard. Top with turkey, Swiss cheese, ham, and second bread slice. Secure toothpicks at an angle on opposite corners to keep the bread slices together.

A four image collage showing the process of assembling a Monte Cristo sandwich with mustard, turkey, swiss cheese, and ham.

Make Batter: Add flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon to a mixing bowl and stir together. Whisk in eggs and milk until smooth. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

A glass mixing bowl and a whisk, with the batter for Monte Cristo sandwiches.

Dip Sandwiches: Use tongs to dip each sandwich into the batter, flipping to coat on both sides. Lift up and allow excess batter to drip off and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

A Monte Cristo sandwich being dipped into the batter with tongs, about to be cooked.

Cook: Once oil in pan is hot, add one sandwich at a time, cooking for about 3 minutes (reduce heat if it starts to brown too much on the bottom) until golden and crisp. Flip and cook on the other side until golden. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.

A golden and crispy Monte Cristo sandwich in a frying pan.

Serve: Cut into halves or quarters before serving, and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy with a side of raspberry jam.

A Monte Cristo sandwich, cut in half and placed on top of each other on a plate, served with raspberry jam.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To Make Ahead: The batter can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.

To Freeze: Monte Cristo sandwiches are best served fresh, but they can be frozen after cooking. Let cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator, then fry with a little bit of butter in a pan on the stove until crispy. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with jam.

Recipe Variations:

  • Bread: Try it with sourdough or whole grain would work as well.
  • Cheese: Gruyere, Gouda, emmental would all be delicious.
  • Baked Monte Cristo: batter and place on a lined and greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until golden, then flip and repeat on the other side.
  • Traditional French Version: Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame. The first true Monte Cristo sandwich is really a Croque Monsieur. In 1966 Disney made this version and served it at the Blue Bayou restaurant.

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Recipe

A homemade Monte Cristo Sandwich cut in half and stacked on a plate.
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 10 minutes
Total 20 minutes
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Ingredients
 
 

Batter:

Sandwiches:

  • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 8 slices white bread , challah or brioche
  • 8 slices ham
  • 8 slices turkey
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese

Topping:

Instructions
 

  • Assemble Sandwiches: Lay two slices of bread side by side. Spread with very thin layer of Dijon mustard. Top with turkey, Swiss cheese, ham, and second bread slice.
  • Secure with Toothpicks on two opposite corners, from the top, at an angle, to help keep the sandwich together while battering.
  • Make Batter: Add flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon to a mixing bowl and stir together. Whisk in eggs and milk until smooth.
  • Heat Oil: Add oil to a skillet over medium heat.
  • Dip Sandwiches: Use tongs to dip each sandwich into the batter, flipping to coat on both sides. Lift up and allow excess batter to drip off and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
  • Cook: Once oil in pan is hot, add one sandwich at a time, cooking for about 3 minutes (reduce heat if it starts to brown too much on the bottom) until golden and crisp. Flip and cook on the other side until golden. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Serve: Cut into halves or quarters before serving, and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of raspberry jam.

Notes

Bread: I like Sara Lee’s Artesano Bread,  but sourdough or whole grain would also work well.
Cheese: Gruyere, Gouda, emmental would all be delicious.
Jam: Homemade Raspberry or Blackberry would be best, but this is a good store-bought option.
Baked Monte Cristo: batter and place on a lined and greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until golden, then flip and repeat on the other side.
Traditional French Version: Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame. The first true Monte Cristo sandwich is really a Croque Monsieur. In 1966 Disney made this version and served it at the Blue Bayou restaurant.
Make Ahead Instructions: The batter can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions: Monte Cristo sandwiches are best served fresh, but they can be frozen after cooking. Let cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator, then fry with a little bit of butter in a pan on the stove until crispy. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with jam.

Nutrition

Calories: 581kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 39gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 1386mgPotassium: 533mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 467IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 531mgIron: 4mg

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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  1. 5 stars
    Reminded me of my childhood. I always loved a good grilled ham and cheese and this one is next level. Made Lauren’s homemade raspberry jam to go along with this simple but delicious sandwich. Sweet, savory, comfort food at it’s best.

  2. 5 stars
    These were amazing!! easy to make and absolutely delicious!!! I used gluten free flour and bread, no one could even tell!!