Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

You’re in for a treat with this Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe! It’s pretty rare on a Sandwich Saturday that I don’t just go for the authentic version of a sandwich. I mean, that’s the whole point of this project anyway.

After doing some research, I found out some information that I never knew before.

There are very distinct differences between an Authentic Monte Cristo Sandwich from New Hampshire, and its counter part served at chain restaurants around the country.

and that is why today I give you…

Two Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipes!

Let’s first dive into a little history around this sweet and savory brunchy, lunchy, Dinnery treat, shall we?

The Monte Cristo Sandwich is New Hampshires most famous sandwich. Why? I have absolutely no clue. I have done plenty of research on the origins of this sandwich, and nothing that I’ve found even mentions New Hampshire.

The Monte Cristo Sandwich was originally brought to the US in the 50’s, and is a take on the French Croque-Monsieur. There were many cookbooks throughout the 50’s and 60’s with recipes for a “french sandwich” or “French Toast Sandwich”.

The rest honestly sounds like a lot of speculation. I’ve read that they were created at Disneyland, some just say California, while others mentioned Monte Cristo, Washington.

It’s a well known fact that the Monte Cristo Sandwich is New Hampshire’s most popular sandwich. Which, after making two versions of the Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe, I can see why!

I say we just go ahead and jump right into the well known version first.

Let’s get to cookin’!

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

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.

The Sandwich

First things first, let’s prepare the sandwich ingredients. We’ll need 3 slices of bread for one whole sandwich. I have to be honest though, on this sandwich, I can only eat half. 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 outer most parts of the sandwich to ensure they melt.

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 version of this Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe.

For this batter mix eggs, ice water, AP flour, and baking soda. 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 powder 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.

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

The New Hampshire Batter

For the New Hampshire style of the Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe we are basically making a french toast batter.

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.

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

How to Serve A Monte Cristo Sandwich

The deep fried version of a Monte Cristo Sandwich is traditionally served sprinkled with powdered sugar, with a fruit jelly and french fries on the side. So thats exactly what I did.

I didn’t make the fries, in fact I used a bag of frozen waffle fries and tossed them in the air fryer. Actually I didn’t even do that. My wife did. So the fries aren’t pictured for many reasons. But darn it they were good!

We had the sandwich for dinner and it was fantastic. It wasn’t too sweet or heavy and was perfect with the fries.

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

Click that link and it will take you right over to that recipe as well!

The New Hampshire style Monte Cristo Sandwich is traditionally served with maple syrup in place of the fruit jelly.

Again, thats what I did.

In fact, I had this sandwich for brunch. I had a bowl of grapes on the side with some maple syrup for dipping and sprinkled the sandwich with powdered sugar.

IT WAS AMAZING!

In Conclusion

I’ve covered two ways to make a Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe with you.

Both are delicious and I highly recommend trying each of them.

They certainly aren’t health foods so I wouldn’t meal plan them for the week, but if you’re looking to treat yourself or house guests this will be a great way to do so for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

I personally prefer the New Hampshire style Monte Cristo to its counterpart. But again, give them both a shot and certainly don’t forget about that AMAZING Reduction recipe!

Let me know in the comments if you know more about the origin of the Monte Cristo Sandwich or other variations of its recipe!

Thank you checking out this recipe and as always…

Happy Cooking!

-Jeremy