Nostalgic Taste! Crispy Outside, Tender Inside Monte Cristo Sandwich
Nostalgic Taste! Crispy Outside, Tender Inside Monte Cristo Sandwich
How to Make a Deliciously Sweet and Savory Monte Cristo Sandwich at Home
Relive the classic taste from your favorite family restaurants! This recipe guides you through making a Monte Cristo sandwich with soft bread, savory ham, rich cheese, and a delightful jam filling. Experience the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Monte Cristo Sandwich Ingredients- 3 slices of thick white bread
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup strawberry jam (or raspberry jam, or your favorite fruit jam)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for extra flavor, consider 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan)
- 2 large fresh eggs
- 1 cup milk (for a creamier egg batter)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by stacking three slices of bread neatly. Using a serrated bread knife, carefully trim off the crusts from all sides of each slice. This step ensures a softer, more pleasant bite.
Step 2
On one side of a bread slice, spread a generous and even layer of strawberry jam. While family restaurants sometimes offered raspberry jam and honey mustard, we’re keeping it simple with strawberry jam today for a taste of nostalgia. Feel free to substitute with your preferred fruit jam!
Step 3
Layer two slices of cheddar cheese over the jam-spread bread, followed by two slices of ham arranged neatly on top of the cheese.
Step 4
Add another two slices of cheddar cheese on top of the ham, then cover with the remaining slice of bread to complete the sandwich base.
Step 5
For an even richer experience, you can repeat the layering process (jam – cheese – ham – cheese) to create a double-decker sandwich. This recipe will proceed with a single-layer sandwich.
Step 6
In a wide bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 1 cup of milk to create the egg batter. In a separate shallow dish, spread out 1 cup of breadcrumbs.
Step 7
We will now coat the sandwich in egg batter, followed by breadcrumbs, to achieve a delightfully crispy exterior when fried.
Step 8
Dip each side of the assembled sandwich into the egg batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess batter. Then, transfer the sandwich to the dish of breadcrumbs. Press down firmly on all sides to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well, creating a thick, even coating.
Step 9
The key to a perfect Monte Cristo is achieving both a crispy exterior and a wonderfully gooey interior. When applying the breadcrumb coating, make sure every surface, especially the edges, is thoroughly covered. This helps to seal in the fillings and maintain the sandwich’s shape during cooking.
Step 10
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to lightly grease the pan. Carefully place the breaded sandwich into the hot pan. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the ham and cheese inside are melted to perfection.
Step 11
To prevent burning, it’s crucial to manage the heat. Start with medium heat, but once the sandwich is in the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. This allows the sandwich to cook through evenly, melting the cheese beautifully without charring the exterior. Rotate slowly, ensuring all sides achieve a rich golden-brown hue.
Step 12
Once perfectly cooked and golden brown, carefully remove the sandwich from the pan. Slice it into desired portions – classic triangles or rectangles work well. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the delightful combination of sweet jam, savory ham, and melted cheese!
