Frederic Melton
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a fried or grilled variation of the Croque-Monsieur, a French sandwich. It is made with ham, turkey, and cheese, and served with berry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. The cheese used in a Monte Cristo sandwich is typically Swiss or Provolone, but can also be Gruyere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of slices of cheese | 2 |
| Cheese type | Swiss, Provolone, Gruyere |
| Cheese texture | Shredded, sliced |
What You'll Learn
Gruyere cheese is the traditional choice
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a twist on the basic ham and cheese combination, with some sources claiming that it is derived from the French Croque Monsieur. It is believed that the Monte Cristo started off as a grilled cheese sandwich with ham and Gruyere cheese, and that over time, the sandwich evolved to include other ingredients such as turkey, mustard, and mayonnaise. The sandwich is then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast.
When making a Monte Cristo sandwich, it is important to use high-quality ingredients, including the cheese. While some recipes may call for Swiss cheese or Provolone, Gruyere is the classic option and adds a touch of elegance to the sandwich. The cheese should be shredded or sliced thinly so that it melts easily and creates a gooey texture when combined with the other ingredients.
The key to a successful Monte Cristo sandwich is the balance of sweet and salty flavours. The Gruyere cheese contributes to this balance with its subtle sweetness, which pairs well with the savoury flavours of the ham and turkey. The sandwich is typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry or strawberry jam, enhancing the sweet element of the dish.
In addition to the cheese, the type of bread used is also important. A thick, hearty sandwich bread works best, such as country white bread or a similar variety. The bread should be sturdy enough to withstand the dipping and frying process without falling apart.
The Monte Cristo sandwich has become a category of its own, with many variations and creative interpretations. However, the classic combination of Gruyere cheese, ham, and turkey remains a favourite for those who appreciate the perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
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Provolone is another option
The key to a great Monte Cristo is the balance of sweet and salty. While Swiss cheese is the most popular option, Provolone is a suitable alternative. When selecting your Provolone, go for the sliced variety, as it is easier to work with. You can also use shredded Gruyere, but this is a more expensive option and has a sharper flavour. If you want to stick to Swiss cheese but are on a budget, you can opt for Amish Swiss cheese from Ohio's Amish country.
When constructing your sandwich, start with two slices of sturdy white bread. Spread mustard on one slice and mayonnaise on the other. Then add your choice of meat—thinly sliced ham and/or turkey. If you're using Provolone, add a slice on top of the meat. If you're using shredded Gruyere, sprinkle it over the mustard before adding the meat. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
To cook your Monte Cristo, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip the sandwich in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, coating both sides. Fry the sandwich in the butter for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Serve your Monte Cristo dusted with powdered sugar and with a side of raspberry jam for dipping.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try deep-frying your Monte Cristo. Dip the sandwich in tempura batter until covered, then put it in a hot deep fryer until golden brown. This method will give your sandwich a crispy crunch.
The Monte Cristo is a versatile sandwich that can be adapted to your taste preferences. You can use any combination of meat, cheese, jam, sauce, or bread. Just be sure to include the essential elements of a sweet layer and a spicy layer. So, get creative and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savoury in your Provolone Monte Cristo!
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Swiss cheese is also used
The Monte Cristo is a fried sandwich with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and mustard, dipped in beaten egg and pan-fried until golden and gooey. It is a delicious alternative to a regular ham and cheese sandwich. The sandwich is then served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of berry jam.
The Monte Cristo is a variation of the Croque-Monsieur, which is made with ham, cheese, and sometimes mustard and mayonnaise. It is then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast. The Monte Cristo is a spin on this, adding turkey and a sweet element, such as raspberry jam, honey, or maple syrup.
The sandwich is assembled by layering cheese, ham, and turkey between slices of white bread spread with mayonnaise and mustard. The sandwich is then dipped in an egg mixture and fried in butter until the cheese is melted. It is often served dusted with powdered sugar and with a side of jam for dipping.
The Monte Cristo is a versatile sandwich, and many variations exist. It can be grilled or deep-fried, and different meats, cheeses, sauces, and breads can be used. However, the key components of a sweet layer of jam or honey and a spicy layer of sauce or mustard must be included.
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Deli-sliced cheese is easier to work with
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. It is a variation of the Croque-monsieur, a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The Monte Cristo is made with ham, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise, and is then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast.
When making a Monte Cristo, it is important to consider the type of cheese you will use. While some recipes call for shredded or grated cheese, such as Gruyere, others suggest using sliced cheese, like Swiss or Provolone. Sliced cheese, particularly deli-sliced cheese, is easier to work with for several reasons.
Firstly, deli-sliced cheese is already the perfect thickness for a sandwich. This means you don't have to worry about shredding or grating the cheese, which can be time-consuming and messy. It also ensures that the cheese melts evenly and quickly when the sandwich is cooked, creating a nice, gooey texture.
Secondly, sliced cheese is easier to layer in the sandwich. The Monte Cristo typically has multiple layers of meat and cheese, and using pre-sliced cheese makes assembly faster and less fiddly. It also helps to ensure that the sandwich is evenly balanced, with consistent layers of meat and cheese.
Additionally, deli-sliced cheese often has a milder flavour than its shredded or grated counterparts. This is beneficial for the Monte Cristo as you don't want the cheese to overpower the other flavours in the sandwich. The sandwich is all about balance, and deli-sliced cheese helps to achieve that.
Finally, sliced cheese is often more affordable than specialty cheeses, especially when buying in larger quantities. This makes it a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to make multiple sandwiches or are feeding a crowd.
When using deli-sliced cheese for your Monte Cristo, it is best to ask for thin slices at the deli counter. This ensures that the cheese melts easily and creates a nice, gooey texture when combined with the other ingredients.
So, if you're looking to make a delicious Monte Cristo, consider using deli-sliced cheese. It will save you time and effort, and will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavours and textures that this sandwich is known for.
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Shredded cheese is needed for some recipes
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a fried sandwich with ham, turkey, and cheese. It is believed that the sandwich started as a variation of the French Croque Monsieur, a grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyere and ham. The Monte Cristo first appeared in the 1930s when it started showing up in cookbooks, and then in the 1950s, it appeared on the menu of a southern California restaurant under the name Monte Cristo.
While some recipes call for sliced cheese, others require shredded cheese. For example, one recipe calls for shredded Gruyere cheese, while another suggests using shredded mozzarella. In addition, a few recipes recommend using shredded Swiss cheese. This is because some people prefer the convenience of pre-shredded cheese, while others find that shredded cheese melts more easily and gives the sandwich a gooier texture.
When it comes to shredded cheese, it's important to use a cheese that melts well. Some good options include Swiss, Gruyere, or mozzarella. Shredded cheese also allows for more even distribution throughout the sandwich, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, sliced cheese is the way to go. Sliced cheese provides a cleaner look and allows for easier assembly. Provolone, Swiss, and Gruyere are popular choices for sliced cheese.
Whether you choose shredded or sliced cheese, the key to a great Monte Cristo is finding a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavours in the sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Monte Cristo sandwiches are usually made with Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese. However, some recipes suggest using Provolone or Amish Swiss cheese.
A Monte Cristo is a sandwich that includes ham, turkey, mustard, and mayonnaise. The sandwich is then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast.
The Monte Cristo is believed to have originated from the French Croque Monsieur, a grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyere and ham. It first appeared in cookbooks in the 1930s and on a menu in a Southern California restaurant in the 1950s.
To make a Monte Cristo, you'll need white bread, deli meat (ham and turkey), cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, eggs, milk, butter, and a skillet. Assemble the sandwich by layering the meat, cheese, and condiments between slices of bread. Dip the sandwich in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then cook it in melted butter until toasted and golden brown on both sides.
