The Monte Cristo Sandwich is squarely in that category of dishes that used to be classic and on almost any diner menu, but can now actually be tough to find. In fact, I can’t really remember the last time I saw one on a menu.
This is fine though. You probably shouldn’t be ordering it in a restaurant anyway for the same reason that you shouldn’t order a ham and cheese. Just save your money and make the sandwich at home.
This sucker might look more complicated than that, but if you can make a ham and cheese sandwich and french toast, then you can make a Monte Cristo Sandwich. There’re a few little tricks though that makes all the different.
Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich
How to make the perfect classic Monte Cristo sandwich. Ingredients are simple. It’s all about the method! You’ll never make a normal grilled cheese again!
Ingredients Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich:
- 3 slices white sandwich bread
- 1/4 pound ham (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup grated gouda cheese
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise (opt.)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
Directions:
1. Lay out three slices of sandwich bread. Split grated cheese between two slices of bread. (You can sub smoked gouda if you want). Top cheese with sliced ham.
2. Lightly spread mayo on BOTH sides of the third piece of bread. Place the mayo piece of bread on top of one of the two sides. Then flip the other ham/cheese side on top so the mayo piece of bread is in between the two sides, creating a two layer sandwich. The cheese should be on the outsides of the sandwich.
3. Slices the ends off the sandwich and press it with some weight to really compact the layers. You can just cover it with a flat plate or cutting board and press on it gently for a few seconds.
4. Whisk together the egg, milk, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
6. When butter is melted, dredge pressed sandwich in the egg mixture, coating all sides. Immediately move sandwich to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until sandwich is golden brown. Also, upend the sandwich to cook on the ends for about 15 seconds per side.
Sandwich is done cooking when it is a dark golden brown and cheese is completely melted. Cut sandwich in half and serve immediately!
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