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Crispy Monte Cristo Sandwich

Crispy Monte Cristo Sandwich - featured image

This Crispy Monte Cristo Sandwich is a brunch favorite featuring layers of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, dipped in a savory egg batter and pan-toasted until golden and crisp. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and served with jam, it’s the perfect sweet-savory comfort food for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices white or brioche bread (about 1/2-inch thick)
  • 3 oz sliced ham (Black Forest, honey, or smoked)
  • 3 oz sliced turkey (oven-roasted or smoked)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (about 3 oz; Gruyère optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Raspberry or strawberry jam, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Lay out 6 slices of bread. Mix together Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
  2. Spread a thin layer of the mustard-mayo mixture on one side of each bread slice.
  3. On three slices, layer in this order: 1 slice Swiss cheese, 1 oz ham, 1 oz turkey, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread, spread-side down. Press gently to hold together.
  4. In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
  5. One at a time, dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. Bread should absorb batter but not become soggy.
  6. Add vegetable oil and unsalted butter to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Swirl to coat.
  7. Carefully add the dipped sandwiches to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with the spatula, until golden and crisp. If the bread browns too fast, lower the heat.
  8. For ultra-melty cheese, cover the pan loosely with foil for the last 2 minutes.
  9. Transfer sandwiches to a plate lined with paper towels for a few seconds to soak up extra butter.
  10. Cut each sandwich in half (diagonally). Dust with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping.

Notes

Use slightly stale or thick bread for best texture. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute bread, milk, and cheese as needed. Don’t oversoak bread in batter. Cook in batches if needed and keep sandwiches warm in a low oven. Serve hot and fresh for maximum crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monte Cristo, brunch sandwich, crispy sandwich, ham and turkey, Swiss cheese, comfort food, easy brunch, skillet sandwich, sweet and savory, breakfast for dinner