The Monte Cristo sandwich is a beloved classic that combines savoury meats, melted cheese, and crisp, golden bread with a hint of sweetness. This indulgent dish, inspired by the French croque-monsieur, has earned a special place in American cuisine, often appearing on brunch menus and in diners across the country.
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In this post, we’ll explore the history, variations, and cultural significance of the Monte Cristo sandwich, as well as provide a step-by-step recipe so you can make your own at home.
A brief history of the Monte Cristo sandwich
The Monte Cristo sandwich’s origins are somewhat mysterious, but it is widely believed to have been inspired by the croque-monsieur, a traditional French bistro sandwich made with ham, cheese, and a crispy, buttered exterior. The croque-monsieur dates back to the early 20th century and has been a staple of French cafés ever since.
The Monte Cristo, however, took the concept a step further. While the croque-monsieur is often baked or grilled, the Monte Cristo is dipped in egg batter and fried, creating a crisp outer layer similar to French toast.
The first known references to the Monte Cristo sandwich appeared in American cookbooks in the 1930s and 1940s. It gained national popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly after Disneyland added it to the menu at its Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square. Today, the sandwich is a favourite in diners, cafés, and brunch spots across the United States.
What makes a Monte Cristo sandwich unique?
The Monte Cristo sandwich is special because it blends sweet and savoury elements, creating a perfect balance of flavours. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Layers of meat and cheese: A traditional Monte Cristo sandwich is made with ham and turkey (or chicken), along with Swiss or Gruyère cheese. The meats provide a salty, savoury flavour, while the cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture.
- Egg-dipped bread: Unlike a typical grilled sandwich, the Monte Cristo is dipped in egg batter, much like French toast. This gives the bread a soft, slightly custardy interior with a crispy, golden crust.
- Frying vs. grilling: Some versions of the Monte Cristo are grilled on a pan like a French toast sandwich, while others are deep-fried for extra crispiness. Both methods produce a delicious result, but deep-frying makes the sandwich extra indulgent.
- A dusting of powdered sugar: One of the most distinctive elements of a Monte Cristo is the light dusting of powdered sugar on top. This subtle sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savoury meats and cheese.
- Served with jam or preserves: Many Monte Cristo sandwiches are served with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam, which adds a fruity sweetness that enhances the overall flavour.
Popular variations of the Monte Cristo sandwich
While the classic Monte Cristo remains a favourite, chefs and home cooks have experimented with different versions over the years. Here are some of the most popular variations:
1. The deep-fried Monte Cristo
This version takes indulgence to the next level by fully immersing the sandwich in hot oil, similar to a beignet or doughnut. The result is an ultra-crispy, golden brown crust.
2. The baked Monte Cristo
For a lighter version, some recipes call for baking the sandwich instead of frying it. This still creates a crispy texture but reduces the oil content.
3. The savoury Monte Cristo
Some people skip the powdered sugar and jam, opting for a fully savoury version. Dijon mustard or a garlic aioli may be added to enhance the flavour.
4. The croissant Monte Cristo
Instead of traditional sandwich bread, some variations use flaky croissants, adding a buttery, rich flavour to the dish.
5. The Monte Cristo with alternative cheeses
While Swiss and Gruyère are the most common cheeses, some recipes use Cheddar, Brie or Havarti for a different taste and texture.
6. The vegetarian Monte Cristo
For those who don’t eat meat, a vegetarian Monte Cristo can be made with grilled vegetables, spinach and cheese. Some versions also use plant-based deli slices.
Featured Recipe: How to make a Monte Cristo sandwich at home
Now that we’ve explored the history and variations, let’s dive into a classic Monte Cristo sandwich recipe.
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 4 slices of white bread (or brioche)
- 2 slices of ham
- 2 slices of turkey or chicken
- 2 slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Raspberry or strawberry jam (for serving)
Instructions
Assemble the sandwich
- Lay out two slices of bread.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one slice (optional).
- Add one slice of cheese, followed by ham, turkey, and another slice of cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, pressing down gently.
Prepare the batter
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each sandwich into the batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
Cook the sandwich
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Place the battered sandwich in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve and enjoy
- Remove the sandwich from the pan and place it on a plate.
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping.
Where to find the best Monte Cristo sandwiches
If you don’t want to make a Monte Cristo at home, you can find excellent versions at cafés, diners, and even theme parks. Here are some famous spots to try one:
- Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Restaurant (California, USA): The Blue Bayou Monte Cristo is one of the most famous versions, served in New Orleans Square. It’s deep-fried, golden brown, and served with berry jam.
- Café Orleans (Disneyland, USA): Another Disneyland classic, this version features a more refined take on the Monte Cristo, often served with fruit preserves and a side salad.
- Bennigan’s (various locations, USA): Bennigan’s restaurant chain is known for its signature deep-fried Monte Cristo, which has a crunchy, golden exterior and is served with raspberry preserves.
How Bennigan’s became synonymous with the Monte Cristo sandwich
Bennigan’s is an American casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1976 by restaurateur Norman E. Brinker in Atlanta, Georgia. The chain is known for its Irish pub-themed atmosphere, offering a menu that blends traditional Irish fare with American classics.
One of Bennigan’s most iconic menu items is their Monte Cristo sandwich. This indulgent sandwich features layers of sliced ham and turkey, combined with Swiss and American cheeses, all nestled between slices of wheat bread. The assembled sandwich is then battered and deep-fried until golden brown, dusted with powdered sugar, and traditionally served with raspberry preserves for dipping.
The Monte Cristo sandwich has been a staple at Bennigan’s for many years, earning a reputation as a must-try item for guests seeking a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Even after the company’s restructuring and the closure of several locations in 2008, the Monte Cristo remained a beloved item.
Today, Bennigan’s continues to operate both domestically and internationally, with a focus on delivering memorable dining experiences that highlight their signature dishes, including the world-famous Monte Cristo sandwich.
Final thoughts
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a delicious, indulgent dish that has stood the test of time. Whether you enjoy it for brunch, lunch or even dinner, its combination of crispy, cheesy, sweet and savoury flavours makes it a crowd-pleaser.
If you’ve never tried making a Monte Cristo at home, this is your chance! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Have you ever had a Monte Cristo sandwich? Do you prefer it grilled or deep-fried? Let us know in the comments!
Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.
