Name: Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 slices honey wheat bread; 9 slices roasted turkey (deli meat, thick cut preferred); 9 slices honey ham (deli meat, thick cut preferred); 3 slices mild cheddar cheese; 3 slices Swiss cheese; 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 ⅔ cups water; 2 large eggs, beaten; Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying, enough to cover the sandwich in the pot); ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar; Red raspberry preserves (for dipping); Honey mustard (optional, for dipping)

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Introduction

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a delightful combination of turkey, ham, and cheese, all sandwiched between layers of honey wheat bread, battered, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and raspberry preserves, it offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet that’s sure to impress.

Three deep-fried sandwiches sit on a round white plate with light powdered sugar dusted over them. Two sandwiches are cut in half, showing several thin layers of ham with a light pink color, turkey with a pale beige tone, and orange cheddar cheese stacked inside. The sandwiches have a thick, crispy golden-brown fried outer layer with a slightly rough texture. The third sandwich is whole, showing the same golden crust. The plate also holds pale yellow potato chips and a small white bowl filled with dark red jam, placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

9 slices honey wheat bread
9 slices roasted turkey (thick cut deli meat)
9 slices honey ham (thick cut deli meat)
3 slices mild cheddar cheese
3 slices Swiss cheese
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 ⅔ cups water
2 large eggs (beaten)
Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)
½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
Red raspberry preserves (for dipping)
Honey mustard (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the sandwiches. On a work surface, layer one slice of bread with three slices of turkey and one slice of Swiss cheese. Add another slice of bread, then three slices of ham and one slice of cheddar cheese, finishing with a final slice of bread on top.
Step 2: Slice the sandwiches diagonally, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours (or up to overnight) to help them firm up for frying.
Step 3: Prepare the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, combine the water and beaten eggs, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large pot to 325°F–350°F, making sure there is about 2 inches of oil to fully submerge the sandwiches.
Step 5: Remove a sandwich half from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Dip the sandwich carefully into the batter using your hands, then use metal tongs to lower it gently into the hot oil. You may need to hold it down or flip it to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Fry the sandwich for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove with tongs and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining sandwich halves.
Step 7: Sprinkle the fried sandwiches lightly with confectioners’ sugar and serve with red raspberry preserves on the side for dipping. Honey mustard can also be offered as an optional dip.

Tips & Variations

Use thick-cut deli meat for a heartier sandwich that holds up well during frying.
Chilling the sandwiches before frying is crucial to prevent them from falling apart in the oil.
For a quicker option, try using pancake batter instead of homemade batter.
Swap out the raspberry preserves for other fruit jams like strawberry or apricot for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store any leftover Monte Cristo sandwiches tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and the outside regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds three golden-brown, deep-fried sandwich pieces with a crispy texture. Two pieces are cut open, showing layers inside: thin slices of pink ham, folded light beige turkey or chicken, and melted yellow cheese, all stacked neatly in about five layers. Surrounding the fried sandwiches are pale yellow potato chips. On the side, there is a small white bowl filled with dark red chunky jam or sauce. Light powdered sugar is sprinkled lightly over the plate and food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Monte Cristo sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and chill the sandwiches overnight before frying. This helps them hold together during cooking and saves preparation time on the day you want to serve them.

What can I use if I don’t have confectioners’ sugar?

If you don’t have confectioners’ sugar, you can lightly dust the sandwiches with granulated sugar, though it won’t melt as smoothly. Alternatively, serve with extra raspberry preserves to add sweetness.