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Crispy Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe with Gooey Swiss Cheese

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A crispy, golden Monte Cristo sandwich filled with salty ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a hint of sweet jam, perfect for brunch or dinner. This easy recipe features a light batter coating for an irresistible crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices white sandwich bread (thick-cut)
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese (Jarlsberg or Emmental recommended)
  • 8 slices deli ham (smoked ham preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons raspberry or strawberry jam
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, for frying)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying, optional)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
  • Maple syrup or honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of bread. Spread Dijon mustard on each slice. Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2 slices of ham on each. Add a teaspoon of jam on top of the ham. Top with remaining bread slices and press gently to seal.
  2. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust consistency with milk or flour if needed.
  3. Heat the pan: Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 teaspoon oil to prevent burning.
  4. Dip and fry the sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the batter, coating all sides. Place gently in the hot skillet. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, with gooey cheese inside.
  5. Drain and serve: Transfer sandwiches to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess butter. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately with maple syrup or honey on the side.

Notes

Use thick-cut bread to prevent sogginess. Balance ham and cheese to avoid messiness. Preheat pan to medium heat and use a butter and oil combo for a crisp crust. Flip sandwiches gently. Let sandwiches rest briefly after frying for easier cutting. Baking option: bake at 375°F for 15 minutes per side for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monte Cristo sandwich, crispy sandwich, Swiss cheese sandwich, ham sandwich, brunch recipe, easy sandwich recipe, fried sandwich

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/crispy-monte-cristo-sandwich-recipe-with-gooey-swiss-cheese-easy-step-by-step/