Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

Crisp sandwich triangles arranged neatly with a sprinkle of sugar on top.

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Egg-dipped bread, layers of ham and melty cheese, grilled buttery golden — this Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe is comfort food at its finest.

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So, I’ve got a confession.

I didn’t grow up eating Monte Cristo sandwiches. Nope. They weren’t on our radar. Grilled cheese? Yep. Turkey club? All the time. But this? This was something special I didn’t discover until my early twenties — at a random diner during a road trip that honestly, was kind of a disaster.

Picture it: we’re exhausted, starving, kinda cranky, and I just wanted something familiar. I almost ordered a BLT, but the Monte Cristo caught my eye. French toast meets ham and cheese? I mean… weird combo, right? But also… intriguing.

I went for it. BEST decision ever.

The crispy, buttery bread. The melty cheese. The salty ham tucked inside. And yes — they dusted it with powdered sugar and served it with jam which sounded insane until I tried it. Suddenly, I understood everything. It wasn’t just lunch. It was comfort on a plate.

So yeah — ever since then, this Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe has been a forever thing in my kitchen. When I want something that’s low effort but feels fancy-ish, this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe?

Alright. You might be wondering… is this sandwich really that good? Oh, friend. It is.

  • It’s French toast + ham and cheese. Enough said, right?

  • Sweet and savory dream combo. Salty ham + melty cheese + buttery bread + maybe a little sweet jam or sugar? Pure magic.

  • Ready in 15 minutes. Like, before you even finish scrolling social media.

  • Zero fancy ingredients. You probably have almost everything already.

  • Works for literally any meal. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, midnight snack… there are no rules here.

Plus, there’s something satisfying about eating a sandwich that looks super simple but tastes like you really know what you’re doing in the kitchen (even if you kinda just winged it).

  Crisp sandwich triangles arranged neatly with a sprinkle of sugar on top.

Ingredient Notes:

Okay, let’s break this Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe down. Simple ingredients, but every single one matters.

  • Eggs:
    They turn plain bread into golden, crispy, French toast-like magic.
  • Salt + Pepper:
    A pinch of each. Trust me, it makes a difference.
  • White Bread (or something sturdy):
    You need bread that can take a dunk in egg and still hold up. Flimsy bread? Not today.
  • Mustard + Mayonnaise:
    Don’t skip this. They bring flavor and moisture. But hey — if you’re anti-mustard, I won’t fight you. Use just mayo or swap for something else. No sandwich police here.
  • Thick Ham Slices:
    Thin deli ham is fine in a pinch, but thicker slices make it feel… heartier. More bite, more flavor.
  • Gruyere Cheese:
    Melts beautifully and gives that slightly fancy vibe. Can you use Swiss or cheddar? Of course. (I’ve done both.)
  • Butter:
    Butter in the pan = crispy golden edges. You know that already, right?

Buttery toast with savory filling, served on a rustic wooden board.

How To Make Monte Cristo Sandwich?

Step 1: Mix the egg wash.
Whisk eggs with a little salt and pepper. Think French toast. This is easy stuff.

Step 2: Build the sandwich.
Spread mustard and mayo on your bread. Layer in the ham and cheese. Give it a gentle press. Not too hard — you don’t want a flat sandwich.

Step 3: Heat your skillet.
Add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Not too hot — you don’t want to burn the butter. Been there. Not fun.

Step 4: Dip and cook.
Dip the sandwich in the egg mixture. Both sides. Be gentle — you’re coating, not soaking. Then straight into the skillet. Cook until golden brown on each side. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. When the cheese starts oozing a little? You’re golden (literally).

Step 5: Serve it up!
Slice it, admire your handiwork, and dig in while it’s hot.

Optional but very encouraged: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with jam. Sounds weird? I thought so too. Then I tried it… game changer.

Golden, pan-fried sandwich halves dusted with powdered sugar on a serving plate.

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Storage Options:

  • Fridge: Airtight container, up to 2 days.

  • Reheat: Skillet is your friend here. It brings the crispiness back way better than a microwave.

  • Freezer: Not a fan. The texture doesn’t hold up well.

Honestly? These are so good fresh, I rarely have leftovers. That’s not bragging. Just… facts.

Variations and Substitutions:

The cool thing about this Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe? It’s super easy to riff on.

  • Swap the meat: Turkey, roast beef, chicken — go wild.

  • Switch the cheese: Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack if you want a little spice.

  • Make it meat-free: Add sautéed spinach or roasted veggies instead.

  • Go sweet: Powdered sugar + jam takes this into “brunch royalty” territory.

In short… you do you. This sandwich won’t mind.

Close-up of a layered sandwich with melted cheese and crisp edges.

What to Serve with Monte Cristo Sandwich?

You could totally just eat it as-is. But if you want a lil’ something extra:

  • Chips or fries: Obvious choice.

  • Salad: You know, for balance.

  • Fruit or fruit salad: Pairs so well with the sweet + savory thing.

  • Soup: Tomato soup + Monte Cristo = cozy vibes galore.

Basically, this sandwich plays nice with pretty much anything.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need the mustard and mayo?
Not need, but they do make it tastier. If you’re not a fan, skip or swap.

Can I use different cheese?
Totally. Any melty cheese works.

What about jam and powdered sugar? Is that weird?
Honestly? I thought so too. Then I tried it… and now I can’t make it without.

Stacked sandwich halves showing melted cheese and layers of meat inside.

And that’s it — your new favorite not-just-a-sandwich: Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe.

It’s quick, comforting, a little indulgent, and way more fun than another plain ham and cheese. Plus, it’s totally customizable — which makes it dangerously easy to want again… and again… and okay, maybe tomorrow too.

So… powdered sugar and jam? Yay or nay? Tell me — I’m totally team “yes please.”

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Buttery toast with savory filling, served on a rustic wooden board.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
This Monte Cristo Sandwich proposes a heartwarming tie to the traditional recipe. Mixing the tastes of a ham and cheese sandwich with the pleasant flicker of French toast. With each morsel, you encounter a combination of ham and gooey gruyere nestled between portions of golden egg-soaked bread. Transforming mundane mornings into special moments. Heightening a dinner into remembrances. Ideal, for individuals who relish a touch of sweetness alongside their savory delights. It acts as a soothing embrace, on a plate that guarantees your day begins on the right note.
Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • Pinches of salt and pepper
  • 4 slices sturdy white bread or your preference of white bread
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/2 lb thick sliced baked ham
  • 1/2 oz weight shredded gruyere cheese
  • Additional salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions
 

  1. To make the egg mixture beat the eggs in a dish, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  2. Next, prepare the sandwiches by spreading mustard and mayonnaise on the bread slices. Layer ham and cheese then season with a bit salt and pepper. Press down gently.
  3. Heat up a skillet over medium heat. Melt some butter.
  4. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture on both sides.
  5. Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, on each side until they turn brown and the cheese is melted.
  6. Savor your Monte Cristo Sandwich!

Notes

To construct a gluten-free Monte Cristo Sandwich. Opt for a gluten-free bread that can bear the egg dip and grilling. Ensure that your ham is gratis of any gluten components. By examining the packaging. And utilize gruyere cheese that is attested to be free from any cross-contamination, with gluten. These detailed substitutions allow you to savor the sandwich. Without renouncing its flavor or consistency.
Audrey
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2 Responses

  1. Looks amazing and simple. I’m curious if your finished sandwich actually has powdered sugar on top or not. I did not see that in ingredients or possible add-ins. Will be making these for an upcoming work brunch, but putting a bowl of the preserves on the platter for those to decide if they want it on their sandwich or not. Thanks for the recipe.

    1. Got it, Tracy! Yes, in the photos, I do serve the Monte Cristo Sandwich with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a sweet finishing touch, but I forgot to mention that as an optional step in the recipe. Feel free to add powdered sugar to the top when serving for that extra sweet flavor! It’s totally up to you, and it really enhances the sandwich. Thanks for pointing that out! Enjoy making it for your brunch! 😊

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I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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