Monte Cristo Sandwich Ham Cheese

The first time I encountered a Monte Cristo, I was honestly confused. Ham and cheese, dipped in French toast batter, then dusted with powdered sugar? It sounded like someone couldn't decide between breakfast and lunch, so they just smooshed them together. But one bite into that golden, crispy exterior with the melted Swiss and salty ham inside, and I completely understood. The powdered sugar isn't just decoration, it's the secret that makes the whole thing work.

I made these for my family last Sunday morning when everyone was craving something more exciting than standard scrambled eggs. My daughter was skeptical about the powdered sugar until she tried it, then proceeded to eat two sandwiches in a row. The kitchen smelled like butter and warm bread, and honestly, that cozy feeling is half the reason I keep making these.

Ingredients

• White sandwich bread: Slightly sturdy white bread works best here, anything too soft will fall apart when you dip it in the egg mixture
• Deli ham: Thinly sliced ham melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with Swiss cheese
• Swiss cheese: The mild nutty flavor complements the ham without overwhelming the other ingredients
• Dijon mustard: Just a thin layer adds a gentle tang that cuts through all the richness
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk up smoother and coat the bread more evenly
• Whole milk: Creates a creamy custard that helps the bread brown beautifully
• Unsalted butter: Butter is non negotiable for that golden crispy exterior and rich flavor
• Powdered sugar: The finishing touch that transforms this from grilled cheese to something extraordinary

Instructions

Build your sandwiches:

Lay out four bread slices and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each if you're using it. Layer two slices of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese on the mustard covered slices, then top with the remaining bread to form four complete sandwiches.

Whisk the custard:

In a shallow bowl wide enough to dip your sandwiches, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and no streaks of egg white remain.

Heat your skillet:

Melt the butter and vegetable oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil prevents the butter from burning while you cook, so don't skip this combination.

Dip and coat:

Quickly dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let excess drip off for just a second, but work fast, you don't want the bread to get soggy.

Cook to golden perfection:

Place the sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with your spatula to ensure good contact with the pan, flipping once the bottom is deep golden brown and the cheese has started melting.

Finish and serve:

Let the sandwiches rest on a wire rack for about one minute so they stay crisp. Slice each one diagonally, dust generously with powdered sugar, and serve immediately with raspberry preserves on the side.

Save

These have become my go to whenever I want to serve something that feels special but doesn't require me to be stuck in the kitchen for hours. Watching people take that first bite, the moment when they realize the powdered sugar actually works, never gets old.

Make It Your Own

I've discovered that swapping turkey for ham creates a lighter version that's just as satisfying. Sometimes I use brioche bread when I want to make these feel even more indulgent. The key is balancing the savory filling with that sweet dusting on top.

Serving Ideas

While these are substantial enough to stand alone, I like serving them with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through all that rich, cheesy goodness perfectly. Fresh berries on the side also work beautifully.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the sandwiches up to an hour before cooking and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator. The egg mixture can be whisked together beforehand too. Just don't dip them until you're ready to cook or they'll get soggy.

• Set up a dipping station with the egg mixture right next to your stove
• Keep cooked sandwiches warm in a 200 degree oven while you finish the batch
• Extra powdered sugar on the table never hurt anyone

Save

There's something wonderfully comforting about a dish that refuses to follow the rules. Sweet and savory, breakfast and lunch, simple but special. That's the Monte Cristo in a nutshell.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes a Monte Cristo different from regular ham and cheese?

The key difference is the egg batter dip and pan-frying technique, similar to French toast. This creates a crispy, golden exterior while the cheese melts inside. The finishing touch of powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ham and cheese, creating that signature sweet-savory flavor profile.

→ Can I make Monte Cristo sandwiches ahead of time?

These are best enjoyed fresh and hot for optimal crispiness. However, you can assemble the sandwiches and keep them refrigerated for up to 4 hours before dipping and cooking. For meal prep, cook them fully and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

→ What's the best bread to use?

While standard white sandwich bread works perfectly, brioche or challah add extra richness and structure. The key is using bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to dipping and frying without falling apart. Slightly day-old bread actually works better than very fresh bread.

→ What can I substitute for the ham?

Turkey makes an excellent lighter alternative. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add extra cheese slices. Some variations use roasted turkey and Swiss exclusively. You can also experiment with different deli meats like roast beef or chicken.

→ Why the combination of butter and oil for frying?

Butter provides rich flavor while oil has a higher smoke point, preventing the butter from burning during the 3-4 minute cook time per side. This combination ensures even browning without scorching, giving you that beautiful golden color and perfect texture.

→ Is the powdered sugar necessary?

While optional, the powdered sugar is traditional and essential for the authentic Monte Cristo experience. It provides just enough sweetness to balance the salty ham and cheese. If you're unsure, start with a light dusting—you can always add more. The contrast between sweet and savory is what makes this sandwich special.