Monte Cristo Sandwich: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Easy Homemade Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe Using Bread Slices
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for the classic Monte Cristo sandwich! It’s a delightful combination of sweet jam and savory ham and cheese, all coated in a crispy, golden crust.
Ingredients- 3 slices of bread
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 slices of deli ham
- 1 Tbsp honey mustard
- 1-2 Tbsp strawberry jam
- Panko breadcrumbs, enough to coat
- Vegetable oil, enough for frying
Egg Batter- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the egg batter that will give our Monte Cristo sandwich its signature golden crust. Crack two eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and whisk them gently until well combined.
Step 2
For an extra smooth batter, strain the egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This step removes any chalazae (the stringy bits of the egg white), ensuring a velvety texture.
Step 3
To make the sandwich easier to handle and eat, trim off the crusts from all three slices of bread. This gives you clean edges for a neat presentation.
Step 4
Lay out the three slices of bread. On one side of the first and third slices, spread a thin layer of honey mustard. For the middle slice, spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam generously.
Step 5
On the honey mustard-covered side of the first bread slice, layer two slices of cheddar cheese, followed by the two slices of deli ham, and then another slice of cheddar cheese. Now, place the second bread slice (the one with jam) on top of the first slice, jam-side down.
Step 6
Spread a little more strawberry jam over the second bread slice, and then top it with the remaining slice of cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy layer.
Step 7
Finally, add the last slice of deli ham and the final slice of cheddar cheese. Top everything with the third bread slice (honey mustard side down) to complete the sandwich stack. Gently press down to secure the layers.
Step 8
Now, dip the assembled sandwich into the prepared egg batter, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Let it soak for a moment to allow the batter to absorb, then generously coat the entire sandwich with panko breadcrumbs. This coating is key for a crispy exterior.
Step 9
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. It’s important not to have the oil too hot, as this can burn the breadcrumbs before the cheese melts and the inside heats through.
Step 10
Carefully place the breaded sandwich into the hot oil. Fry on all sides until golden brown and crispy. Using two spatulas makes it much easier to flip the sandwich without it falling apart.
Step 11
Once both sides are beautifully golden and crisp, remove the sandwich from the pan and let it rest for a moment. Then, using a serrated knife, slice it into your desired portions. Your delicious Monte Cristo sandwich is now ready to enjoy!
