Monte Cristo Sandwich 
A Sweet & Savory Classic 

When made traditionally, the Monte Cristo sandwich is dipped in beaten eggs, fried golden brown in butter, and served warm and melty. But variations exist! Some prefer a lighter version, broiled on French toast rather than fried, while others load it up with extra meat, cheese, and rich toppings.

Wherever you land in the debate of sweet vs. savory, one thing is certain: this is a sandwich worth making again and again.

Where Did the Monte Cristo Sandwich Come From?

Like many beloved sandwiches, the Monte Cristo has French roots. It’s inspired by the Croque-Monsieur, a sandwich that first appeared in France in the early 1900s. The Croque-Monsieur is basically a fancy ham and cheese sandwich made with Gruyère and lean ham, then fried in clarified butter.

Over time, Americans adapted this sandwich into something richer, crispier, and perfect for dipping—leading to what we now call the Monte Cristo. The sandwich popped up across Southern California in the 1950s, making its way into diners and cafes.

Then, in 1966, Disneyland made the Monte Cristo famous by adding it to their menus at Blue Bayou and Tahitian Terrace restaurants in Anaheim. Once Disneyland gave it a stage, the Monte Cristo sandwich became a national phenomenon—and yes, well, here we are!

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Ingredients Breakdown:
What Makes a Monte Cristo Special?

Bread (French or Brioche): 

• The foundation of any great sandwich, the bread needs to be sturdy enough to hold the fillings, yet soft enough to soak up the egg batter without falling apart. French bread provides a slightly crisp, chewy texture, while brioche offers a richer, buttery taste that enhances the overall indulgence of the sandwich.

Eggs: 

• Eggs play a crucial role in creating the golden, crispy crust that makes the Monte Cristo unique. Beaten and mixed with milk, they coat the bread and give it that French toast-like texture, ensuring the outside is crisp while the inside remains soft and warm.

Milk:  

• Milk helps to bind the egg batter, giving it a smooth consistency that coats the bread evenly. It also contributes to the richness of the sandwich, making sure every bite has a slightly creamy touch.

Ham:  

• A classic Monte Cristo filling, ham adds a salty, smoky contrast to the creamy cheese and sweet notes of the sandwich. Opt for thinly sliced deli ham or leftover baked ham for a more rustic, hearty flavor.

Turkey:  

• Adding turkey alongside the ham brings depth and variety, making the sandwich more substantial. It balances the richness of the other ingredients, offering a leaner, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with Swiss cheese.

Swiss Cheese:  

• This is where the magic happens! Swiss cheese melts beautifully, creating that satisfying, gooey texture when the sandwich is toasted or fried. Its slightly nutty, mild flavor complements both the meats and the sweet elements of the dish.

Butter (for frying):  

• Monte Cristo sandwiches are traditionally fried in butter, giving them a deep, golden-brown crust and a rich, indulgent taste. The butter also adds an aromatic, slightly nutty finish that pairs well with both sweet and savory variations.

Powdered Sugar (optional, for sweet versions):  

• A light dusting of powdered sugar transforms a Monte Cristo into a decadent, brunch-worthy dish. It balances the saltiness of the ham and cheese while enhancing the sweetness of the raspberry or strawberry preserves.

Raspberry or Strawberry Preserves (for dipping):  

• No Monte Cristo is complete without fruit preserves! Whether it’s raspberry, strawberry, or even blackberry jam, these add a sweet-tart contrast that perfectly complements the crispy, buttery sandwich. Dipping each bite into the preserves elevates the flavors, making each bite feel like a blend of breakfast, lunch, and dessert all at once.

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Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

 Prep Time: 10 minutes  

 Cook Time: 10 minutes  

 Total Time: 20 minutes  

 Servings: 2 sandwiches

Ingredients:

•  4 slices of thick bread (French or brioche)
•  2 eggs, beaten
•  ½ cup milk
•  4 slices ham
•  4 slices turkey
•  2 slices Swiss cheese
•  Butter (for frying)
•  Powdered sugar (optional)
•  Raspberry or strawberry preserves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter  

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

2. Assemble the sandwiches  

• Layer ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between two slices of bread.  
• Press gently to help the sandwich hold its shape.

3. Dip & Fry  

• Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.  
• Dip each sandwich into the egg batter, coating both sides.  
• Fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.

4. Serve & Enjoy  

• For a sweet version, dust with powdered sugar and serve with fruit preserves.  
• For a savory version, pair it with a thousand island dressing or sour cream.

Nutritional Estimates (Per Serving, Depending on Ingredients):

• Calories - 500 kcal        
• Protein - 40g             
• Carbohydrates - 45g             
• Fat - 20g             
• Fiber - 3g              
• Sodium - 800mg

(Note: Values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

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Sweet or Savory:
How Do You Eat Your Monte Cristo? 

The Monte Cristo sandwich can swing either way—sweet or savory—depending on how it’s served.

Sweet Monte Cristo: 

• Sprinkled with powdered sugar  
• Served with fruit preserves or maple syrup  
• Sometimes paired with clotted cream or fresh berries

Savory Monte Cristo:

• Served with Thousand Island dressing or sour cream  
• Some variations in Northern New York call it "Cumberland Head style"  
• Occasionally paired with a side of mustard for a tangy bite

Side Dishes & Drink Pairings

A Monte Cristo sandwich is rich, so pairing it with lighter or crisp sides makes for a balanced meal.

Side Ideas:  

• Fruit salad – A fresh contrast to the sandwich’s richness  
• Coleslaw – Crisp and tangy  
• Potato chips – Simple, salty, and classic  
• French fries – Crispy, golden perfection

Drink Pairings:  

• Iced tea – Smooth and refreshing  
• Coffee or espresso – Pairs perfectly with the sweet version  
• Sparkling water – A light, bubbly contrast to the fried sandwich

A Few Final Words:
Try Your Own Monte Cristo! 

The Monte Cristo sandwich has earned its place as one of the most indulgent, comforting sandwiches out there. Whether you fry it in a pan, broil it on French toast, or go all-in with a powdered sugar finish, it’s a fun, nostalgic meal that always feels special.  

So, what’s your Monte Cristo style? Do you like sweet or savory? Do you add your own twist—maybe a different cheese or an extra spice?  

Let us know in the comments or share your version of the recipe. After all, the best sandwiches are made to be enjoyed again and again!

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Here's a video from Disneyland's Blue Bayou, showing how Dave Mani make's a version of their sandwich.

And a savory and sweet version by the Tasting Table.

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Are you ready to try your own version of the Monte Cristo Sandwich? Well, now that you've read the article, and watched the videos, do you think you can make your own? Go ahead - go for it. I'm sure it will be scrumptious.

And if you'd like another version of the Monte Cristo, try The Taste and Tell Blog's recipe. (Link will open in a new window).

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