Monte Cristo Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
A delicious Monte Cristo style grilled cheese sandwich featuring smoked ham and Swiss cheese, dipped in an egg batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served warm and optionally dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet-savory treat.
- Prep Time: 00 hrs. 10 mins.
- Cook Time: 00 hrs. 10 mins.
- Total Time: 00 hrs. 20 mins.
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Spreads
- 2 slices of Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread
- 1 tsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp grainy mustard
Sandwich Fillings
- 2 – 3 oz smoked deli ham, sliced, room temperature
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, room temperature
Batter and Cooking
- 1 large egg
- 1 TBSP half and half
- 1/2 TBSP butter
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar, for sprinkling
- Strawberry preserves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread with Spreads: Spread mayonnaise on one side of one slice of bread and spread grainy mustard on one side of the other slice of bread, ensuring the spreads face upward.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each bread slice with spreads.
- Assemble Sandwich: Layer the smoked deli ham onto the Swiss cheese on one slice, then place the other cheese-topped slice on top, forming the sandwich with spread sides facing in.
- Make Egg Batter: In a small bowl, beat together the large egg and half and half until fully combined and smooth.
- Heat Skillet: Warm a small skillet over medium heat and add the butter, swirling it to coat the pan as it melts and begins to bubble.
- Dip Sandwich: Quickly dip the assembled sandwich into the egg batter, coating the entire exterior evenly without soaking it to sogginess.
- Cook Sandwich: Place the dipped sandwich in the hot skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side until similarly golden and the cheese melts, another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from skillet and serve warm. Optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with strawberry preserves for a classic Monte Cristo experience.
Notes
- Using room temperature ham and cheese ensures even melting and flavor.
- Do not soak the sandwich too long in the egg batter to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on your skillet and stove for perfect browning.
- Powdered sugar and strawberry preserves enhance the sweet-savory contrast of this dish but are optional.
Keywords: Monte Cristo sandwich, grilled cheese, ham and cheese sandwich, pan-fried sandwich, savory sandwich, breakfast sandwich
