Crispy & Sweet Monte Cristo Sandwich: The Perfect Weekend Brunch & Lunchbox Treat
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe: Ideal for Weekend Brunch, Kids’ Snacks, and Lunchboxes!
The Monte Cristo sandwich sounds fancy, doesn’t it? It actually has roots in the French ‘Croque Monsieur’! Legend has it that the Count of Monte Cristo himself enjoyed this sandwich so much that it was eventually named after him. Imagine eating something so delicious it gets your name attached to it! It’s remarkably easy to make, which makes it a frequent go-to for a delightful brunch. Yes, it might be a bit of a calorie bomb, but for weekend indulgence, we say, why not? It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will adore. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of the Monte Cristo sandwich – crispy on the outside, gooey and savory on the inside!
Sandwich Components- 3 slices of white bread
- 2 slices of deli ham
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 Tbsp honey mustard
- 1 Tbsp peanut butter (or jam of your choice)
Crispy Batter- 2 large eggs
- 30 ml milk
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- Panko breadcrumbs (generous amount)
- 2 large eggs
- 30 ml milk
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- Panko breadcrumbs (generous amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim the crusts off your bread slices for a neat finish. On one side of a bread slice, spread 1 tablespoon of honey mustard evenly. On another bread slice, spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter thoroughly. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, feel free to substitute it with your favorite jam, like strawberry or raspberry, for a delightful fruity twist!
Step 2
Now, let’s assemble the sandwich layers! On the bread with honey mustard, place one slice of cheddar cheese, followed by one slice of ham, and then another slice of cheddar cheese. Top this with another slice of bread. On this new slice, layer one more slice of cheddar cheese, one more slice of ham, and a final slice of cheddar cheese. Finally, place the bread slice with peanut butter on top to complete the stack. Placing cheese on both the inner and outer layers helps the sandwich hold together beautifully once grilled, as the cheese melts and acts like a delicious glue.
Step 3
Time to prepare the delicious batter that will make our sandwich crispy and golden. (Tip: If you’re making 3 sandwiches, 5 eggs should be plenty.) For a smoother batter, strain the eggs through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any stringy bits. This step ensures a wonderfully smooth coating.
Step 4
To the strained eggs, add 30 ml of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for a hint of sweetness, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and the mixture is uniform.
Step 5
Generously dip the assembled sandwiches into the prepared egg batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, press them firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating both sides evenly. This breading is key to achieving that irresistible crispy texture.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over low heat. Carefully place the breaded sandwiches in the pan and cook them slowly. Flip them occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown and the insides are heated through. Gently pressing down on the sandwich with a spatula while it cooks will help the melted cheese bind everything together beautifully.
Step 7
Once perfectly golden and delicious, remove the Monte Cristo sandwiches from the pan. Cut each sandwich into four equal pieces for easy serving. Admire that gorgeous golden exterior and imagine the gooey, savory filling inside!
Step 8
This sandwich is a personal favorite for weekend treats. Compared to other sandwiches that require chopping vegetables and making complex sauces, this is incredibly straightforward yet delivers an explosion of flavor. It feels like the ham and cheese are doing all the heavy lifting – I’m just here to help them shine! It’s a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Step 9
Why do weekends fly by so quickly? It seems like we barely get a chance to relax before it’s Monday morning again, and the work week looms. That familiar Monday blues feeling can creep in, making us wonder how we’ll get through the week. ^^ But what if we enjoyed something as delightful as this Monte Cristo sandwich not just on the weekend, but perhaps on a Monday morning or a lazy afternoon to lift our spirits? ^^
