Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Monte Cristo Sandwich is a delightful combination of savory meats and cheeses, coated in a light batter and fried to golden perfection. Served with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar and raspberry preserves, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

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)
• ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
• Red raspberry preserves (for dipping)
• Honey mustard (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Assemble the sandwiches by layering one slice of bread with three slices of turkey, one slice of Swiss cheese, another slice of bread, three slices of ham, one slice of cheddar cheese, and a final slice of bread on top.
2. Step 2: Slice each sandwich diagonally, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours (or up to overnight) to help them firm up for frying.
3. Step 3: Prepare the batter by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the water and beaten eggs, then pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
4. Step 4: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 325°F-350°F.
5. Step 5: Remove a sandwich half from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and dip it into the batter, coating it fully with your hands.
6. Step 6: Carefully lower the battered sandwich into the hot oil using metal tongs. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove the sandwich from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the process with remaining sandwich halves.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the fried sandwiches lightly with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm with red raspberry preserves and optional honey mustard for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick-cut deli meats for a more satisfying texture and to help the sandwich hold together.
• For a quicker batter, pancake mix can be substituted, adjusting frying time accordingly.
• Chilling the sandwiches before frying is essential to help them stay intact during cooking.
• Try adding a slice of mustard or mayonnaise inside the sandwich for extra flavor before assembling.

Storage

Store any leftover fried sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the batter soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Monte Cristo sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, assembling and chilling the sandwiches ahead of time is recommended. You can wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to overnight before frying.

What can I use if I don’t have red raspberry preserves?

Other fruit preserves like strawberry or blackberry work well as a sweet dipping option to complement the savory sandwich.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 sandwiches (6 halves) 1x

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Description

A Monte Cristo Sandwich is a decadent fried sandwich featuring layers of turkey, ham, Swiss and cheddar cheese between honey wheat bread. This recipe involves assembling the sandwich, chilling it to firm up, then dipping it in a light batter before deep-frying until golden and crispy. The sandwich is finished with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and served with raspberry preserves for a sweet and savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sandwich

• 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

Batter

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 ⅔ cups water
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Frying & Garnish

• Vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying
• ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
• Red raspberry preserves, for dipping
• Honey mustard (optional), for dipping

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Instructions

1. Assemble the Sandwich: On a clean work surface, start with one slice of honey wheat bread. Layer three slices of roasted turkey and one slice of Swiss cheese on top. Add another slice of bread, then three slices of honey ham and one slice of mild cheddar cheese. Finish with one more slice of bread.
2. Slice and Chill: Slice each sandwich diagonally into halves. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or up to overnight. This chilling step firms up the sandwich, helping it hold together during frying.
3. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and combine with the water. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. Set the batter aside.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a large pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 325°F to 350°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature for proper frying.
5. Fry the Sandwiches: Remove one sandwich half from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using your hands, dip the sandwich into the prepared batter, coating it thoroughly. Using metal tongs, carefully lower the sandwich into the hot oil, fully submerging it. Fry until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes, turning as needed to brown evenly. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining sandwich halves.
6. Serve: Lightly sprinkle the fried sandwiches with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm with a side of red raspberry preserves and optional honey mustard for dipping.

Notes

• Chilling the sandwich before frying is essential to ensure it holds its shape in the hot oil.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt coating.
• For easier frying, work one sandwich half at a time and handle gently to avoid batter loss.
• You can substitute pancake batter for a quicker option, but homemade batter yields the best texture.
• Serve immediately for best flavor and crispness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Monte Cristo Sandwich, fried sandwich, turkey sandwich, ham sandwich, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, deep-fried sandwich, classic American sandwich, raspberry preserves