Monte Cristo sandwich

For the novel by Alexandre Dumas, see The Count of Monte Cristo.

A Monte Cristo sandwich

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a type of sandwich that is typically made with bread, ham, turkey, and cheese. It is often dipped in egg batter and fried or grilled. The sandwich is a variation of the French toast and is sometimes served with powdered sugar and jam or maple syrup.

History

The Monte Cristo sandwich is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is thought to be a variation of the French dish Croque-monsieur, which is a baked or fried ham and cheese sandwich. The Monte Cristo became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in Southern California.

Preparation

To prepare a Monte Cristo sandwich, slices of bread are layered with ham, turkey, and cheese, typically Swiss cheese. The sandwich is then dipped in a mixture of egg and milk, similar to French toast batter. It is then fried or grilled until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serving

Monte Cristo sandwiches are often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam or maple syrup. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a popular choice for brunch or lunch.

Variations

There are many variations of the Monte Cristo sandwich. Some versions include additional ingredients such as mustard or mayonnaise. Others may use different types of cheese or meat. Some recipes call for the sandwich to be baked instead of fried.

Related pages

• Sandwich
• French toast
• Croque-monsieur