Did your Easter holiday dinner feature a delicious TBS ham, but now you’re unsure what to do with the leftovers? There are so many delectable options for leftovers, but one of our favorites is a traditional Monte Cristo sandwich. This iconic dish, born from the ingenuity of repurposing ingredients, combines the richness of leftover ham with the timeless appeal of a French toast-inspired sandwich.
Originating in French cuisine, the Monte Cristo sandwich, also known as a French Toasted Cheese Sandwich, emerged in the late 19th century. Although its origins are debated, it is believed to have been inspired by the Croque Monsieur, a popular French ham and cheese sandwich. However, the Monte Cristo boasts its unique twist—a dip in egg batter before being grilled or fried to golden perfection.
Over the years, this sandwich has evolved, becoming a beloved staple in American diner culture. Its versatility allows for various interpretations, but at its core, it remains a comforting amalgamation of flavors and textures—a perfect marriage of sweet and savory.
With Easter festivities behind us, we find ourselves with an abundance of leftover ham ripe for reinvention. Join us as we honor tradition while breathing new life into our holiday remnants with this delicious traditional Monte Cristo sandwich recipe.
Ingredients for a Traditional Monte Cristo Sandwich:
(This recipe makes four sandwiches. Adjust as necessary.)
- 8 slices of Challah or brioche bread
- 4 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 slices cooked TBS cooked ham
- 2 cups of grated gruyere cheese (or a couple of slices of Swiss cheese)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- powdered sugar
- raspberry jam
Directions:
- Make the batter by whisking the eggs, milk, and a little salt and pepper until smooth. Pour the batter into a flat baking dish or pie pan.
- Place the 8 slices of bread flat on a baking sheet. Spread mayonnaise on four of the pieces. Next, spread Dijon mustard on top of the mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle a generous heap of the cheese on those same four pieces and top with several thick pieces of ham.
- Cap each with one of the remaining pieces of bread and press down slightly to ensure all the ingredients are set.
- Heat a large skillet or pan and melt the butter in it. When the butter just begins to bubble around the edges, it’s ready to grill your sandwich.
- Dip one of the sandwiches into the batter, coating all sides (even the ends) with the batter.
- Add the coated sandwich to the skillet. If your skillet is big enough, you can cook more than one simultaneously. Allow the sandwich to brown until it looks like French toast, then flip to brown the other side. Repeat to brown each of the edges.
- Place it on a cutting board and sprinkle powdered sugar over the sandwich using a sifter.
- Slice the sandwich in half diagonally, and serve with raspberry jam.
Select the healthiest meats and produce from The Butcher Shop for your family.
Why purchase meat and produce from a grocery store that comes from who knows where? We have such excellent, fresh meat and produce available locally! The Butcher Shop is your one-stop shop for locally sourced meats and produce from farms right here in Southern Oregon. At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meal, plus fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food specifically for your canine. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.