The Monte Cristo from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen features tender ham, roasted turkey, and melted Swiss cheese layered between fluffy, custardy French toast, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served with a tangy raspberry preserves dipping sauce for a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Equipments
- Slicing knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish (for custard)
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Plate (for assembling)
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)
- Small serving bowl (for raspberry preserves)
Ingredients
- 8 slices white bread
- 4 oz (115g) deli ham
- 4 oz (115g) roasted turkey
- 4 oz (115g) Swiss cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Raspberry preserves (for serving)
Choosing fresh deli ham and roasted turkey with minimal preservatives ensures a more authentic taste in your Monte Cristo sandwich. Swiss cheese melts best when it's sliced thinly, enhancing the creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. Using white bread with a soft, fluffy crumb helps the custard soak evenly, resulting in a tender French toast exterior. Be careful not to over-soak the bread in the egg and milk mixture, as it can become too soggy and difficult to handle during cooking. Your Monte Cristo from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen copycat menu will shine with the perfect balance of these quality ingredients and techniques.
Instructions
- Slice ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese if needed.
- Lay out 8 slices of white bread on a cutting board.
- Layer ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese evenly on 4 bread slices.
- Top with remaining 4 bread slices to form sandwiches.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and salt.
- Pour egg mixture into a shallow dish.
- Preheat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat; add butter to melt.
- Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, coating both sides well.
- Place dipped sandwiches onto the skillet and cook until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove sandwiches from skillet and place on a plate.
- Dust sandwiches with powdered sugar using a sifter or fine mesh strainer.
- Cut sandwiches in halves or quarters if desired.
- Add raspberry preserves to a small serving bowl for dipping.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Substitution
The Monte Cristo from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen copycat menu combines deli ham, roasted turkey, and Swiss cheese layered inside custardy French toast, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and raspberry preserves. If Swiss cheese is unavailable, Gruyere or mozzarella offer a similar melt and mild flavor. Use brioche or challah bread as alternatives to white bread for a richer texture when sliced thickly. If fresh raspberry preserves aren't accessible, you can substitute with any berry jam or a homemade fruit compote. Your pan should be preheated properly to cook the sandwich evenly without burning the butter.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly coat both sides of each sandwich in the custard mixture to achieve the signature fluffy texture of the French toast. Use medium heat to prevent the butter from burning and ensure the cheese melts evenly without overcooking the bread. When dusting with powdered sugar, use a sifter or fine mesh strainer for an even, light coating that enhances the flavor without overwhelming it. Remember to serve your Monte Cristo warm with raspberry preserves on the side to enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite.
Nutritions
The Monte Cristo sandwich offers a substantial source of protein from the ham, roasted turkey, and Swiss cheese, contributing to muscle repair and satiety. The eggs and milk used in the custard provide essential vitamins like B12 and minerals such as calcium, while the white bread adds carbohydrates for energy. Butter adds fat, increasing caloric density and flavor, and the powdered sugar combined with raspberry preserves adds a sweet contrast, although these contribute sugars that should be consumed in moderation. Your meal balances savory and sweet components but keep portion size in mind to manage calorie intake.
Storage
Store any leftover Monte Cristo sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. For best results, reheat gently on a nonstick skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to preserve the crispy exterior and melted Swiss cheese. Your raspberry preserves should be kept sealed in the fridge to ensure optimal flavor and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere or provolone for a different flavor profile that still melts well. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture to enhance the sweetness and warmth of the French toast. Use whole wheat or brioche bread instead of white bread to increase fiber and add texture. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk in the custard.
Allergies
The Monte Cristo from Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from Swiss cheese and butter, and gluten from white bread. Individuals with egg, milk, or wheat allergies should exercise caution or seek alternatives, as consuming this dish may trigger allergic reactions. Your sensitivity to these allergens should be considered before ordering or preparing this meal.
Why this recipe?
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen Monte Cristo sandwich combines layers of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese dipped in a fluffy, golden batter and fried to perfection, delivering a rich blend of savory and sweet flavors. The menu item is loved for its crispy exterior paired with a tender, melty interior, often served with a side of powdered sugar and raspberry preserves that enhance the taste experience. You'll find its unique balance of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice among classic sandwiches. Recreating this dish at home allows you to enjoy a gourmet-quality meal with fresh ingredients tailored to your preferences while saving dining costs.