Crispy Outside, Moist Inside! Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
Easy Homemade Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe (French Toast Variation)
Today, we’re making a delightful Monte Cristo sandwich! Layers of cheese and sweet jam are nestled between three slices of bread, coated in a rich egg batter, and pan-fried in butter until golden brown. Adding a touch of mustard sauce between the layers elevates the flavor, making it incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for a light breakfast or a satisfying snack, and even half of it will leave you feeling full! Ready to create this masterpiece of crispy, moist, sweet, and savory goodness? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 slices of bread
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp milk (approx. 30ml)
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese
- Honey mustard sauce
- Blueberry jam
- Butter, for frying
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your three slices of bread, which will form the base of your Monte Cristo sandwich. To achieve a neat presentation, trim off the crusts from all sides of each bread slice. (This step is optional but can contribute to a more polished look.)
Step 2
Lay the three slices of bread side-by-side on your work surface. Spread a thin layer of blueberry jam on the outer sides of the two end slices. While blueberry jam is suggested, feel free to use your favorite fruit jam like strawberry, raspberry, or grape for a personalized touch. Different jams will impart unique flavor profiles to your sandwich!
Step 3
On the middle slice of bread, spread a layer of honey mustard sauce. The slight tang of the mustard will beautifully balance the sweetness of the jam and the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Step 4
Next, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the jam-covered bread slices. The melting cheese will act as a delicious binder, holding the jam and bread together.
Step 5
Finally, lightly spread a bit more mustard sauce on the top side of the middle slice, then carefully place the remaining bread slice (the one with jam and cheese) on top to complete the sandwich assembly. Think of the layers as: blueberry jam – cheese – honey mustard – cheese – blueberry jam.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the egg batter that will give our sandwich its signature golden crust. In a wide, shallow dish, crack one egg and add 2 tablespoons of milk (about 30ml). A 1:1 ratio of egg to milk works well here. Whisk the egg and milk together thoroughly until well combined.
Step 7
Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish that’s easy to dip into. Gently place your assembled sandwich into the batter, ensuring it soaks evenly on all sides – front, back, and edges. Coating the sides thoroughly will ensure a delicious, evenly cooked crust.
Step 8
Time to cook! Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place the egg-coated sandwich into the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted.
Step 9
Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning. To ensure an even golden crust all around, gently turn the sandwich to cook the sides as well. Patiently cooking all surfaces until they achieve a beautiful golden hue is the key to a perfect crispy and moist sandwich.
Step 10
Once perfectly golden brown on all sides, remove the Monte Cristo sandwich from the pan. Let it cool slightly, then slice it into your desired serving size (often diagonally into two halves). Your wonderfully crispy, moist, and perfectly sweet-and-savory Monte Cristo sandwich is now ready to be enjoyed! Pair it with your favorite warm beverage for a delightful meal.
