Monte Cristo Ham Cheese (Printable View)

Savory-sweet sandwich layered with ham, Swiss cheese, pan-fried to golden perfection with a dusting of sugar.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 8 slices white sandwich bread

→ Filling

02 - 8 slices deli ham
03 - 8 slices Swiss cheese
04 - 4 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

→ Egg Batter

05 - 3 large eggs
06 - ½ cup whole milk
07 - ¼ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper

→ For Frying

09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
12 - Raspberry preserves or jam (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Arrange 8 bread slices on a clean surface and optionally spread Dijon mustard evenly on 4 slices.
02 - Top each mustard-covered slice with 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then place remaining bread slices atop to form sandwiches.
03 - In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Warm unsalted butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
05 - Submerge each sandwich in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated before cooking.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula until golden brown and cheese has melted.
07 - Transfer sandwiches to a plate and allow to rest for 1 minute, then slice each diagonally in half.
08 - Dust sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar and serve immediately, optionally accompanied by raspberry preserves or jam.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels like a restaurant-quality dish you can make in less time than it takes to shower.
  • The contrast between savory ham and cheese with that hint of sweet powdered sugar is genuinely addictive.
  • Watching the egg batter turn golden in the skillet is deeply satisfying, every single time.
02 -
  • If your heat is too high, the egg will brown before the cheese melts—medium heat is your friend, never rush this.
  • Drying the egg mixture on both sides before the pan is non-negotiable; otherwise you end up with sogginess instead of crispness.
03 -
  • Press gently on the sandwich as it cooks—this helps the egg batter set and the cheese melt more evenly throughout.
  • A touch of vanilla extract in the egg batter (just one-eighth teaspoon) adds an almost imperceptible sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.
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