Crispy and Sweet & Salty Monte Cristo Sandwich
A Gourmet Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe Enhanced with Garlic Sauce
Hello everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for the Monte Cristo sandwich, perfect for picnics or a special brunch. This sandwich boasts a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior, elevated by a rich garlic sauce that creates an unforgettable taste. Follow along, and you’ll be able to create a wonderful Monte Cristo sandwich at home!
Main Ingredients- 3 slices sandwich bread
- 2 slices of processed cheese
- 4 slices Spam (sliced lengthwise, about 3mm thick)
- 1 egg
- Panko breadcrumbs, for coating
Special Garlic Sauce- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter (heaping)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter (heaping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the Spam into strips about 3mm thick and long, suitable for layering in the sandwich. This slicing method enhances the texture and makes it integrate well with other ingredients.
Step 2
Prepare a small pan and add 2 heaping tablespoons of butter. Slowly melt the butter over low heat, being careful not to burn it. Low and slow is key here.
Step 3
Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir well and let it simmer gently for about 4 minutes. The goal is to reduce the mixture slightly, allowing the garlic and sugar to caramelize a bit for a deeper, richer flavor. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 4
Now, let’s assemble the sandwich. Spread a thin layer of mustard sauce on the top side (or the inner side) of each slice of bread. (You can omit this or substitute with another sauce if you prefer.) Then, layer with processed cheese, Spam slices, and a generous spread of the prepared garlic sauce. Place another slice of bread on top. Repeat this process: bread-cheese-Spam-garlic sauce, then bread-cheese-Spam-garlic sauce, and finally top with the third slice of bread.
Step 5
In a wide bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Dip both sides of the assembled sandwich into the egg wash, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Letting it soak for a moment can help the bread absorb the egg wash nicely.
Step 6
After the egg wash, generously coat the entire surface of the sandwich with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Coating the sandwich thickly with breadcrumbs will result in an extra crispy texture when fried.
Step 7
Lightly oil a preheated pan and reduce the heat to low. Carefully place the breadcrumb-coated sandwich in the pan. Cook over low heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides. It’s crucial to cook it slowly over low heat, checking frequently to prevent burning, until the cheese inside is melted and the exterior is a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 8
Once perfectly cooked, remove the Monte Cristo sandwich from the pan and let it cool slightly. Cutting it while piping hot can cause the fillings to spill out. Slice it diagonally for easy serving. Behold, the ultimate sweet and savory Monte Cristo sandwich, boasting a crispy exterior and a delectable, moist interior, is ready to enjoy!
