Golden, crisp, and stuffed with layers of melty cheese and savory deli meats, the REAL DEAL Monte Cristo is a knockout sandwich you’ll want on repeat. A little bit sweet, a lot savory, and totally satisfying—it’s everything you love about brunch in one glorious bite. Traditionally deep-fried but made more accessible here with pan-frying, this version still delivers that classic crunch with a rich, custardy bread base that feels like French toast grew up and got gourmet.

It’s the sandwich that makes you pause after the first bite. Ham, turkey, and Swiss melted between two thick slices of bread, dunked in an egg batter, crisped in butter, then finished with a touch of powdered sugar and a dip of jam. Whether you’re feeding guests or treating yourself, this Monte Cristo is a total crowd-pleaser.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The bread is your foundation, so choose wisely. A sturdy yet tender white bread like brioche or challah works best here. You want something thick enough to hold all the layers without falling apart but soft enough to soak up that luscious egg batter.

Ingredients for the REAL DEAL Monte Cristo

Thick White Bread (like brioche or challah): Holds up to the soaking and frying, giving you that French-toast-like base with structure.
Sliced Deli Ham: Brings a savory, salty bite that balances the richness of the cheese.
Sliced Turkey: Adds lean protein and a meaty layer that complements the ham.
Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that nutty tang essential to this sandwich.
Eggs: Whisked to make the custardy dip that gives the bread its golden finish.
Milk: Mixed with eggs to keep the batter silky and rich.
Butter: For pan-frying to get that crisp, golden crust.
Powdered Sugar: A classic touch that adds just the right whisper of sweetness.
Raspberry Jam or Jelly: For dipping—sweet, tart, and the perfect contrast to the savory melt.

How To Make the REAL DEAL Monte Cristo

Step 1: Assemble the Layers

Lay out your slices of brioche or challah. On one slice, layer Swiss cheese, followed by slices of ham and turkey, then another slice of cheese. Top it with the second slice of bread to sandwich it all together.

Step 2: Dip in Egg Batter

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. Carefully dip each sandwich into the mixture, coating both sides without oversaturating the bread.

Step 3: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the sandwich in the pan. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes or until deeply golden and the cheese is melted through.

Step 4: Dust and Serve

Transfer the sandwich to a plate. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with a side of raspberry jam or jelly for dipping. Cut diagonally for that iconic Monte Cristo look.

How to Serve and Store the REAL DEAL Monte Cristo

Serve this sandwich hot off the skillet while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crisp. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner with fries or a fresh salad on the side. For a brunch board idea, slice the sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve with a small jam sampler.

To store leftovers, let the sandwich cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to keep that crisp exterior—avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the bread from falling apart?

Use thick-sliced brioche or challah and don’t over-soak the bread in egg batter. Just a quick dip on each side will do.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sandwiches a few hours in advance and refrigerate them (un-dipped). Dip in batter and fry just before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t eat pork?

Swap the ham for smoked turkey or chicken breast. You can even go fully vegetarian by using grilled veggies and extra cheese.

What kind of jam works best?

Raspberry is traditional, but strawberry, blackberry, or even fig jam pairs beautifully with the savory ingredients.

Can I bake it instead of frying?

Pan-frying gives the best texture, but you can bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.

Is powdered sugar really necessary?

Yes—the touch of sweetness brings out the savory richness of the sandwich and ties it all together. But if you’re not into sweet-savory combos, feel free to skip it.

Want More Sandwich Ideas with a Twist?

If the REAL DEAL Monte Cristo hit the spot, you’ll love these other creative savory bites:

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a smoky, cheesy comfort food classic.
Cheesy Beef Chimichangas if you’re craving a Tex-Mex handheld.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups to satisfy your brunch cravings with a sweet twist.
Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf for the ultimate side to any sandwich meal.
Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole for another cozy, flaky option.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest brunch or lunch board so it’s just a click away when that craving hits.

And let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you try a different cheese? Go sweet-and-savory or keep it all savory?

I love seeing your spins on these recipes, and if you’re looking for daily food inspo, follow me over on Pinterest @hallarecipes for more goodies from Life with Jam.

REAL DEAL Monte Cristo

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich

Print Recipe

Description

This REAL DEAL Monte Cristo sandwich is the ultimate brunch or lunch indulgence. With layers of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between thick slices of brioche, soaked in a rich egg batter and pan-fried to golden perfection, it’s a sweet-and-savory classic. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar and raspberry jam for dipping, every bite is melty, crispy, and irresistibly good.

Ingredients

2 slices thick white bread (brioche or challah)

2 slices deli ham

2 slices deli turkey

2 slices Swiss cheese

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

1 teaspoon powdered sugar (for garnish)

2 tablespoons raspberry jam or jelly (for serving)

Instructions

1. Lay out the slices of bread. Layer one slice with Swiss cheese, ham, turkey, and another slice of cheese, then top with the second slice of bread.

2. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk together until fully combined.

3. Dip both sides of the sandwich into the egg mixture, coating well but not oversaturating.

4. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

5. Remove from skillet and place on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar.

6. Slice in half diagonally and serve warm with raspberry jam or jelly for dipping.