Golden French Monte Cristo Sandwich is indulgent yet comforting, making it an irresistible choice for brunch or dinner. With the first bite, you’ll enjoy custard-soaked brioche, crisped to golden perfection, paired with ham, roasted turkey, and two cheeses—Swiss and Gruyère. A side of raspberry preserves adds the perfect touch of savory and sweet.
This recipe is inspired by the classic French Croque Monsieur but became famous in America as the Monte Cristo Sandwich. It has charmed diners for decades with its contrast of textures—crisp outside, melty inside—and a hint of sweetness that sets it apart from an ordinary grilled cheese.
Whether you serve it as a weekend brunch centerpiece or a cozy dinner, the Golden French Monte Cristo Sandwich will satisfy and impress every time.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
8 slices brioche bread
4 slices deli ham
4 slices roasted turkey
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices Gruyère cheese
3 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Raspberry preserves, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the custard:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and creamy.
2. Assemble the sandwiches:
Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of ham, one slice of turkey, and one slice of Gruyère cheese between two slices of brioche bread. Press gently to secure. Repeat for all sandwiches.
3. Dip the sandwiches:
Working one at a time, dip each sandwich into the custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Allow excess to drip off.
4. Cook the sandwiches:
Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook 3–4 minutes per side. The bread should be golden and the cheese melted. The egg custard cooks fully, just like French toast, leaving the bread crisp outside and tender inside.
5. Finish and serve:
Transfer to a cutting board, cut each sandwich in half diagonally, and serve immediately with raspberry preserves for dipping.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Choose the right bread: Brioche or challah adds richness and soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming soggy.
- Balance the flavors: Gruyère provides nutty depth, while Swiss melts smoothly—together they create that signature taste.
- Cook low and slow: Keep the heat moderate to allow the custard to cook through and the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
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