Monte Cristo Sandwich

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Quick Bite

A fried ham and cheese sandwich, often with turkey, that is dipped in an egg batter before being cooked, similar to French toast. It is typically served dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by jam or preserves, blending sweet and savory flavors. 

History

The Monte Cristo is widely believed to be an American adaptation of the French Croque Monsieur, a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich dating back to early 20th-century Paris. By the 1930s–1940s, American cookbooks began featuring similar recipes under names like “French Sandwich” or “Toasted Ham Sandwich,” which called for dipping the sandwich in beaten egg and pan-frying it, essentially a savory French toast with ham and cheese.

The name “Monte Cristo” started appearing on U.S. diner and café menus in the 1950s, especially in Southern California. Its popularity surged in the 1960s, thanks in part to Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Restaurant and Café Orleans, which served a battered, deep-fried version that became a cult favorite.

Over time, variations emerged, some lightly griddled, some fully deep‐fried, some dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam, but the core idea remained the same: a rich, sweet-savory, French toast-style ham-and-cheese sandwich with a hint of Old-World inspiration and a distinctively American twist.

Fun Facts

• Many fans describe it as the perfect blend of “brunch and lunch,” but it’s also a sandwich you must eat with a fork and knife thanks to the sticky jam and egg batter.

• Some places grill it like a simple battered sandwich, while others deep-fry it to a golden crisp. Powdered sugar is optional depending on where you order it.

• Early cookbook versions were simply savory, egg-dipped ham-and-cheese sandwiches. The addition of raspberry or strawberry preserves came later and is now considered the signature accompaniment.

Where to Try

Royal Street Veranda - Disneyland

The Original Pancake House - Norco, California

Huckleberry’s - Anaheim, California 

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Recipe

Makes 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 4 slices white bread or brioche

• 2 slices Swiss cheese

• 2–4 slices deli ham

• 2–4 slices turkey (optional but classic)

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup milk

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional but adds additional flavor)

• Pinch salt & pepper

• 1–2 tbsp butter for frying

• Powdered sugar (optional but traditional)

• Raspberry or strawberry preserves for serving

Preparation & Cooking Instructions

• Assemble the sandwiches

  1. Lay out the bread slices.

  2. Add a slice of Swiss cheese to each.

  3. Layer ham and turkey on top of the cheese.

  4. Top with the remaining bread slices and press gently.

• Make the batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk together: eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. This should look like French-toast batter.

• Dip the sandwiches

  1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich fully into the egg mixture, coating both sides.

• Cook

  1. Place the battered sandwiches in the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the center is warmed through.

  2. For a more indulgent version, you can deep-fry the sandwich at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until crisp and golden.

• Finish

  1. Dust lightly with powdered sugar (optional but iconic). Serve with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping.