The Best Cheeses For A Monte Cristo Sandwich

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 then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast. The type of cheese used in a Monte Cristo sandwich can vary depending on preference, but the most common types used are Swiss, Gruyère, Provolone, Muenster, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar.

Gruyere cheese is a popular choice

Gruyere is a traditional cheese to use in a Monte Cristo, which originated in France and was popularised in California in the 1950s. It is believed to have started off as a grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyere and ham.

When making a Monte Cristo, it's best to grate the Gruyere rather than buying slices, as this helps the cheese melt more quickly and evenly in the pan. The cheese is placed on either side of the sandwich to hold the bread in place while flipping.

The Monte Cristo is often dusted with powdered sugar and served with berry jam for dipping. It's a sweet and savoury combination that can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Swiss cheese is also used

The key to a good Monte Cristo is in the ingredients and how they are assembled. Start with a sturdy white sandwich bread, or swap it out for sourdough, rye, or dinner rolls. Cut off the crusts to help seal the sandwich. For the meat, use thinly sliced deli ham and turkey, or leftover ham. Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, but you can also use Muenster, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar.

To assemble, spread mayonnaise and mustard on two slices of bread. Layer the meat and cheese, then seal the sandwich with another slice of bread. Press the sandwich down to compress it and help it stay together during frying. Whisk together milk, eggs, and seasoning for the batter. Carefully dip the sandwich into the batter, making sure to coat both sides.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the sandwich for 4-6 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with strawberry or raspberry jam on the side.

The Monte Cristo is believed to have originated in France as a variation of the Croque-monsieur. It became popular in the 1950s in California cafes, where it first appeared on a menu as "The Monte". It also became a staple at Disneyland California in 1966.

Provolone is another option

When making a Monte Cristo, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The sandwich is typically made with layers of bread, meat, and cheese, which are then dipped in an egg batter and pan-fried or deep-fried. The combination of melted cheese, crispy breading, and savoury meats makes for a delicious and indulgent treat.

Provolone is a great choice for a Monte Cristo sandwich because of its mild flavour and creamy texture. It has a higher melting point than some other cheeses, so it won't become too runny when heated. This makes it ideal for holding the sandwich together and creating a satisfying, savoury experience.

When using provolone, consider pairing it with other ingredients that complement its flavour profile. For a more subtle and creamy taste, you could use white bread and layer on some thinly sliced deli meats like ham and turkey. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or rye, to add a tangier flavour to the sandwich.

Additionally, you can enhance the flavour of the provolone by spreading a thin layer of dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard on the bread. This adds a nice kick to the sandwich and cuts through the richness of the cheese. You could also add a smear of mayonnaise for a more creamy texture.

To take your Monte Cristo to the next level, don't forget the toppings and sides! Dusting the sandwich with powdered sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates a beautiful presentation. Serving it with a side of berry jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, provides the perfect dip for each bite, enhancing the sweet and savoury combination.

Mozzarella can be substituted

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of the Croque-monsieur, a French sandwich made with ham, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise. The sandwich is then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast. The Monte Cristo is a "levelled-up" version of a grilled cheese, with layers of bread, ham, turkey, and cheese. The sandwich is then dipped in an egg batter and pan-fried or deep-fried.

While the Monte Cristo sandwich is traditionally made with Swiss cheese, you can substitute any cheese you have on hand. A nice Muenster, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar would work well. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavours in the sandwich.

When assembling the sandwich, it is recommended to put cheese on both sides of the meat to help hold the bread in place while flipping. For the best results, use sturdy white sandwich bread, thinly sliced deli ham, and grate the cheese instead of buying slices so that it melts more quickly and evenly.

To cook the Monte Cristo, heat butter in a large skillet. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture and then transfer it to the hot skillet. Cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve the sandwich dusted with powdered sugar and with raspberry or strawberry jam on the side for dipping.

Sharp cheddar works well

The traditional ingredients for a Monte Cristo are white bread, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, but you can use any cheese you have to hand. A nice Muenster, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar would work well. The cheese is layered with the meat and bread, and the sandwich is compressed so that it sticks together. The sandwich is then dipped in whisked eggs and milk and fried until golden brown.

The Monte Cristo is often dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of strawberry or raspberry jam, creating a delicious sweet and savoury combination.

Frequently asked questions