Monte Cristo Ham and Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Crisp egg-dipped sandwiches with melted Swiss and ham, topped with powdered 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 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)

→ Egg Batter

05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For Frying

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - Raspberry preserves or jam (optional, for serving)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Lay out the bread slices and spread Dijon mustard on 4 of them if desired. Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each mustard-covered slice. Top with the remaining bread to form 4 complete sandwiches.
02 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts and begins to shimmer.
04 - Dip each sandwich into the egg batter, coating both sides thoroughly and allowing excess to drip off slightly.
05 - Place sandwiches in the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy with melted cheese inside.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally, dust generously with powdered sugar, and serve immediately with raspberry preserves on the side if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The perfect marriage of savory ham and melty Swiss meets the comforting sweetness of French toast
  • Ready in twenty minutes but tastes like something from a brunch spot
02 -
  • Dont skimp on the resting time after cooking or the cheese will ooze out when you slice
  • The butter and oil mixture is crucial—butter alone burns too easily at the temperature needed for golden results
03 -
  • Keep the finished sandwiches warm in a 200 degree F oven while you cook the remaining batches
  • A well seasoned cast iron skillet gives the most even golden color
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