The Best Cheeses For A Monte Cristo Sandwich

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a twist on the Croque-monsieur, made with ham, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise, then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast. The cheese used in a Monte Cristo is a topic of debate, with some recipes calling for Swiss cheese, others for Gruyere, and others still for shredded cheese.

Gruyere, Swiss, or Provolone

Gruyere is a semi-hard, pale yellow Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It's an excellent melting cheese, which is important for a sandwich that's fried or grilled. Gruyere is also traditional, as the Monte Cristo is an American variation of the French Croque Monsieur, which is made with Gruyere.

Swiss cheese is another good choice, as it's a strong cheese that will stand out against the egg batter, mayo, and meat. When buying Swiss cheese, look for real Swiss cheese (specifically Gruyere) rather than American Swiss, which is made from pasteurised milk and is less flavoursome.

Provolone is a good alternative if you want to mix up the flavour profile of your Monte Cristo. It's a good melting cheese, which is an important consideration for this sandwich.

For the best flavour, purchase your cheese from a deli counter and ask for it to be thinly sliced.

Dijon or Honey Mustard

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a twist on the Croque-Monsieur, a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The Monte Cristo is made with ham, turkey, and cheese, and is dipped in egg and cooked like French toast. The sandwich is served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam for dipping.

The cheese used in a Monte Cristo sandwich is typically Swiss or Gruyere. However, some recipes suggest using shredded Gruyere, while others recommend Provolone, Havarti, Gouda, Muenster, or Muenster.

When it comes to mustard, Dijon is a classic choice, but you can also use honey mustard, yellow mustard, or a combination of mustards. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the jam and powdered sugar. The mustard is usually spread on the bread, along with mayonnaise, before adding the ham, turkey, and cheese.

• Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one slice of bread. You can also mix equal parts Dijon mustard and mayonnaise for a more creamy and mild flavour.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, add a layer of raspberry jam to the sandwich.
• Assemble the sandwich by layering cheese, ham, bread with mustard and mayonnaise, turkey, and more cheese.
• Dip the assembled sandwich in an egg batter and pan-fry or deep fry until golden.
• Dust the cooked sandwich with powdered sugar and serve with a side of jam for dipping.

With its combination of sweet and savoury flavours, the Monte Cristo sandwich is a unique and indulgent treat.

Raspberry, Red Currant, or Blackberry Jam

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of the Croque-monsieur, made with ham, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise. The sandwich is then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast. The addition of jelly or jam is a classic pairing, with red currant jelly being a traditional choice. However, raspberry and blackberry jam are also popular substitutes.

The sandwich is often dusted with powdered sugar, and the jelly is served on the side for dipping. This sweet and savoury combination is a unique feature of the Monte Cristo sandwich, and the jelly is an essential part of the dish for many.

Some recipes suggest spreading a little jelly onto one of the bread slices to add a touch of sweetness to the sandwich itself. This can be done in addition to serving the jelly on the side for dipping.

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a versatile dish, and the jelly or jam can be customised to suit individual tastes.

White or Farmhouse Bread

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a decadent, sweet and savoury combination, with a French toast-style exterior and a meaty, cheesy interior. It is a variation of the Croque-monsieur, and is typically made with ham, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise, then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast.

When it comes to the bread, a sturdy white bread is recommended. Airy white breads tend to fall apart, so a denser farmhouse-style white bread is a good option. Sourdough, brioche, and challah are also popular choices, and if using these types of bread, it is recommended to slice them about 1/2-inch thick. If you opt for sandwich bread, it is best to secure the sandwiches with toothpicks or wrap them in foil before dipping them in the egg mixture to prevent them from falling apart.

For a triple-decker Monte Cristo, you will need three slices of bread per sandwich. Start by lightly buttering one side of two slices, and buttering both sides of the third (middle) slice. You can then spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard onto one of the unbuttered sides of bread, and a small amount of red currant jelly or seedless raspberry jam onto the other unbuttered side.

Next, assemble the sandwich by layering the ingredients in the following order: Swiss or Gruyere cheese, ham, the slice of bread buttered on both sides, turkey, and another layer of cheese. Finish the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread, placing it jam or jelly-side down.

Finally, dip the assembled sandwich in the egg mixture and pan-fry or deep fry until golden. The Monte Cristo sandwich is best served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and with a side of warmed jelly for dipping.

Turkey or Chicken

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a decadent, sweet and savoury combination of meat, cheese, and condiments. It is a twist on the French Croque Monsieur, which is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The Monte Cristo is usually made with ham, but some recipes call for turkey or chicken as an alternative.

The sandwich is made with sliced meat, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise, and is then dipped in an egg mixture and pan-fried. The cheese is usually Swiss or Gruyere, but other melting cheeses can be used, such as provolone or gouda. The key to a good Monte Cristo is to use sturdy white bread, such as farmhouse white, brioche, or challah, and to compress the sandwich before frying so that it holds together.

The Monte Cristo is often served dusted with powdered sugar and with a side of raspberry or red currant jam for dipping. It can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and is a great way to use up leftover meat from a holiday dinner.

Frequently asked questions