Treat Yourself to a Tangy & Sweet Monte Cristo: My Kitchen Indulgence!

 

 Sometimes you just need a sandwich that feels like a little bit of a special occasion. Enter the magnificent Monte Cristo! This isn't your average lunch fare; it's a delightful combination of savory ham and cheese (often with turkey), dipped in a light batter, griddled to golden perfection, and then dusted with powdered sugar and served with sweet preserves. Trust me, it's a flavor explosion you won't soon forget!

 

The Monte Cristo often gets compared to a French Croque Monsieur, but the dipping in batter and the sweet accompaniments set it apart, making it a truly unique and indulgent experience. It's the perfect balance of salty, savory, crispy, and sweet – a culinary adventure all wrapped up in a sandwich. Whether you're looking for a decadent brunch, a memorable lunch, or even a surprisingly satisfying dinner right here in Ewing, the Monte Cristo is a fantastic choice.

 

This recipe is my go-to for creating this iconic sandwich at home. It's relatively simple to prepare, and the results are absolutely worth the little bit of extra effort. Get ready to treat yourself (and maybe someone special in Ewing!) to a truly exceptional sandwich experience!

 

What You'll Need:

 

4 slices white bread or challah bread

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

4 slices cooked ham

4 slices Swiss cheese

4 slices cooked turkey or chicken (optional, but traditional)

2 large eggs

¼ cup milk

Pinch of salt

Pinch of black pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking

Vegetable oil or more butter, if needed

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Strawberry or raspberry preserves, for serving

Let's Build This Beautiful Sandwich!

 

Assemble the Sandwich: Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. On two slices of bread, layer ham, Swiss cheese, and turkey (if using). Top with the remaining two slices of bread, mustard-side down.

Prepare the Batter: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Dip the Sandwiches: Heat the butter (and a little oil if desired to prevent burning) in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each assembled sandwich into the egg batter, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off.

Griddle to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the battered sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

The Sweet Finish: Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is melted, remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, trim off the crusts (this is traditional, but optional). Slice each sandwich diagonally into halves or quarters.

Dust and Serve: Arrange the sandwich pieces on plates. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with a side of your favorite strawberry or raspberry preserves for dipping. Enjoy this incredible Monte Cristo.