Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe (Deep Fried or Traditional)

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A Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe is one of those classics that somehow manages to be sweet, savory, and completely irresistible all at once. This version gives you two authentic ways to enjoy it: the deep-fried State-Fair-style indulgence or the New Hampshire French-toast-inspired take. Both are easy to make at home and use simple ingredients like deli meats, melty cheese, and thick Texas toast. Whether you want a comfort-food brunch or a crispy, diner-style treat, this Monte Cristo covers all the bases.

Monte Cristo sandwich topped with powdered sugar.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Monte Cristo Ingredients
How to Make a Monte Cristo
Expert Tips
Monte Cristo FAQs
More Recipes You'll Love
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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Regardless of which option you go with, both sandwiches are fantastic. The deep-fried version reminds me very much of State Fair Food, maybe not the healthiest but worth making every now and then. On the other hand, the traditional and authentic Monte Cristo reminds me of a high-end brunch menu item. It's sweet, savory, not too filling, and pairs perfectly with fruit.

This homemade raspberry dipping sauce works perfectly for this recipe!

Monte Cristo Ingredients

Deep Fried Monte Cristo

Meat: You'll need some Deli Sliced Ham and Turkey.

Liquids: For this deep-fried version, you'll need Egg Yolks, Ice Water, and vegetable oil.

Cheese: Be sure to have some Sliced Swiss Cheese and Sliced Mild Cheddar.

Bread: I recommend using Thick Cut Texas Toast. (See Expert Tips)

Extras: You'll need All purpose Flour and Baking Soda.

Dipping and Garnishments: Use your favorite jelly, jam, or preserve and be sure to sprinkle your sandwiches with Powdered Sugar.

New Hampshire-Style Monte Cristo

Meat: You'll need some Deli Sliced Ham and Turkey.

Cheese: Be sure to have some Sliced Swiss Cheese and Sliced Mild Cheddar.

Bread: I recommend using Thick Cut Texas Toast. (See Expert Tips)

Liquids: You'll want to have some Whole Milk, Eggs, and Vanilla Extract on hand.

Herbs and Spices: You'll need Kosher Salt, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, and Sugar.

Extras: The only extra you'll need is All Purpose Flour.

Dipping and Garnishments: Be sure to have Pure Maple Syrup and Powdered Sugar.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make a Monte Cristo

In the 1st version of the Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe, I'm putting the sandwich together, dipping it in its entirety, and deep-frying the sandwich.

In the 2nd version, I'm dipping each side in batter, very similar to that of French toast, and then cooking on a cast-iron griddle.

First things first, let's prepare the sandwich ingredients. We'll need three slices of bread for one whole sandwich. I have to be honest, though; I can only eat half of this sandwich. But, for the sake of the recipe, we will call it one whole sandwich.

Lay the pieces of bread out. On one piece, place Swiss cheese and ham, now add a piece of bread, then turkey and cheddar cheese, then another piece of bread.

So again, bread-cheese-meat-bread-meat-cheese.

This way, you have the cheese on the outermost parts of the sandwich to ensure it melts.

Then SMUSH the sandwich down to make it flat. Now, if you're anything like me, you might be thinking,

"but I don't wanna smush it; I want it fluffy. It will look prettier and be soft."

NO! SMUSH IT! SMUSH IT REAL GOOD!

Good, that was a great Smush!

This is the exact same process for both Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipes.

The Deep Fried Batter

Let's start with the deep-fried Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe.

Mix eggs, ice water, AP flour, and baking soda for this batter. The measurements, of course, depend on how many sandwiches you're going to make. This batter isn't sweet and purposely doesn't have a ton of flavor other than just a regular batter. I prefer that the sweetness comes from the dipping sauce and the powdered sugar, which pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the sandwich itself. Basically, the batter is for texture with a fried, almost funnel cake-like flavor.

I used a small Secura deep fryer and vegetable oil for the deep-fried sandwich. Preheat your oil to 375°f. Once you've fully dipped the sandwiches, place them in the fryer, fry one side until golden brown, and then flip to repeat on that side. Remove to a tray lined with paper towels, and do the same for the rest of your sandwiches.

The New Hampshire Batter

We are making a French toast batter for the Traditional Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe.

In a large but somewhat shallow bowl, you're going to mix flour, milk, salt, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and white sugar.

Whisk that all together, dip one side of the sandwich, then the other, and immediately put that on a medium-low, preheated, electric, gas, or cast iron griddle.

Press the sandwich down using a spatula and allow it to brown up. Flip the sandwich over and repeat on that side.

Expert Tips

The deep-fried version of a Monte Cristo Sandwich is traditionally sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with Jelly and french fries on the side. So that's exactly what I did.

I made a Strawberry Rhubarb Hatch Green Chile Reduction in place of the jelly. A big name with an even bigger flavor profile!

The New Hampshire-style Monte Cristo Sandwich is traditionally served with maple syrup instead of the fruit jelly, and it works perfectly together. I had this sandwich for brunch. I had a bowl of grapes on the side with maple syrup for dipping and sprinkled the sandwich with powdered sugar.

Monte Cristo FAQs

What is a Monte Cristo sandwich made of?

A Monte Cristo is typically made with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese layered between thick slices of bread. It’s dipped in batter—either French-toast style or a deep-fry batter—and cooked until golden, then finished with powdered sugar and served with jam or syrup.

What’s the difference between a Monte Cristo and a French toast sandwich?

They’re very similar, but a Monte Cristo includes deli meat and cheese, while French toast is usually just bread dipped in custard. The Monte Cristo is also traditionally served with powdered sugar and sweet dipping sauces, giving it a unique sweet-savory flavor.

Is a Monte Cristo always deep fried?

Not at all. The deep-fried version is popular across the U.S., but the New Hampshire-style Monte Cristo is pan-cooked like French toast. Both styles are authentic—just different regional approaches.

What do you serve with a Monte Cristo sandwich?

Popular sides include french fries, fresh fruit, grapes, hash browns, or a simple green salad. For dipping, use fruit jam, raspberry preserves, maple syrup, or a fruit reduction.gar dusted over a Monte Cristo is to add extra sweetness. Plus, it looks quite nice when properly plated.

What’s the best bread for a Monte Cristo?

Thick-cut white bread or Texas toast works best because it holds up to the batter and gives the sandwich its signature structure and texture.

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