Monte Cristo Sandwiches

Back in 2010,  Time Inc. sent me a copy of the new All You Eat Well Save Big cookbook to check out.  The book features 148 dinner recipes like these monte cristo sandwiches that are all under $2.50 per serving.  There are even several recipes are under $1 a serving. 

As I looked through the cookbook, I found several recipes at the time that  I wanted to try like Tortilla Pie and Parmesan Pork Cutlets. However,  I decided to start with Monte Cristo Sandwiches.  They are quick, easy and were listed as $1.82 per serving. 

If you have never had a Monte Cristo before they are basically a combination of french toast and a grilled sandwich.  You put Swiss cheese, ham and turkey in between 2 pieces of bread. Then you dip it in an egg batter  and cook in a frying pan.  For the finish touch, you sprinkle it with a little powdered sugar and serve it with some raspberry jam on the side to dip in.   So yummy!  I have had them at restaurants before but never had then at home.

I did make a slight change to the original recipe.  The family loved them.  It was a fun and easy dinner plus it was budget friendly.  I have since been making my Monte Cristo sandwiches regularly at home.

Monte Cristo Sandwiches

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• Author: Laura

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Ingredients

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• 2  large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 8 slices sturdy white sandwich bread
• 8 slices turkey breast
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices Black Forest or other ham
• 1 Tbsp butter
• confectioners’ sugar (optional)
• 1/4  cup raspberry or strawberry jam (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a wide, shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk to combine.
2. Lay a slice of bread on a work surface and top with 2 slices turkey, 1 slice cheese, 2 slices ham and a second slice of bread. Repeat to assemble remaining sandwiches.
3. Warm a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Melt butter (if pan is not large enough to accommodate all 4 sandwiches, melt half of butter and cook sandwiches in 2 batches). When butter sizzles, swirl pan to coat.
4. Carefully dip each sandwich in egg mixture, turning to lightly coat both sides.  Shake off excess egg mixture.  Leaving too much on will make them soggy.  Just give each side a light dip in the mixture.  Lay sandwiches in hot pan. Cook, turning once, until sandwiches are well-browned on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes total.
5. To serve, cut sandwiches in half diagonally and sprinkle lightly with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Top each sandwich half with a small dollop of jam, or serve jam alongside for dipping.

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This is the original photo from when this was first posted in March 2010.