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Irresistible Monte Cristo Sandwich

Featured in Satisfying Sandwiches.

Recreate Bennigan's famous Monte Cristo Sandwich at home! Ham, turkey, and two types of melty cheese are stacked between soft honey wheat bread, chilled to set, then dipped into batter and fried till golden. Dust with powdered sugar and add raspberry preserves for a sweet and savory bite that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t skip chilling—it’s key for a firm sandwich.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:41:13 GMT
Golden Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich Pin it
Golden Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich | cuisinegenial.com

Experience the ultimate indulgent sandwich - a golden-fried creation filled with premium deli meats and melted cheese. This elevated version features perfectly layered turkey, ham and Swiss between honey wheat bread, all enveloped in a crispy seasoned batter.

The key to perfection lies in proper chilling time and maintaining consistent oil temperature throughout frying.

Key Components

  • Sandwich Base:
  • Honey Wheat Bread: Three fresh slices
  • Turkey: Premium thick-sliced
  • Ham: High-quality deli cut
  • Swiss Cheese: Whole slices
  • American Cheese: For optimal melt
  • Parsley: Fresh garnish
  • Batter Components:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Properly measured
  • Baking Powder: Creates lightness
  • Eggs: Room temperature
  • Water: For right texture
  • Frying Oil: Neutral flavor
  • Powdered Sugar: For finishing

Step-by-Step Method

1. Build the Sandwich:
Start with base bread slice, add turkey layers and Swiss. Place middle bread slice, add ham layers and American cheese. Complete with top bread. Cut diagonally, wrap thoroughly, refrigerate 2-3 hours minimum.
2. Create the Batter:
Mix dry ingredients first - flour, baking powder, salt. Separately combine water and egg. Incorporate wet into dry, whisking to smoothness. Consider pancake mix alternative for sweetness.
3. Heat Oil:
Bring oil to exactly 325-350°F. Monitor temperature carefully - too hot will burn exterior before cheese melts. Use thermometer for precision.
4. Frying Technique:
Remove sandwich half from wrap. Coat fully in batter. Using tongs, carefully place in hot oil. Fry 4-5 minutes until deep golden, keeping submerged as needed.
5. Finishing:
Remove to paper towels. While still hot, dust liberally with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with raspberry preserves and honey mustard alongside.
A sandwich with cheese and ham on a black plate. Pin it
A sandwich with cheese and ham on a black plate. | cuisinegenial.com

Storage Tips

Sandwiches are best served immediately while hot and crispy. If needed, keep warm in low-temperature oven (200°F) for up to 15 minutes. Avoid stacking to maintain crispiness.

Recommended Side Dishes

  • Mixed fruit medley
  • Classic wedge salad
  • Hot french fries
  • Kettle chips
  • Kosher dills
  • Chilled beer

Sauce Selections

Enhance with these dipping options:

  • Classic raspberry preserves
  • Creamy honey mustard
  • Pure maple syrup
  • Mixed berry preserves
  • Stone-ground Dijon
  • Thai sweet chili sauce

Easy Monte Cristo Sandwich Pin it
Easy Monte Cristo Sandwich | cuisinegenial.com
Homemade Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe Pin it
Homemade Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Recipe Notes

Achieving perfection requires attention to chilling duration and precise temperature control. Careful attention during assembly and cooking yields the ideal contrast between crunchy coating and melted interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why put the sandwich in the fridge before frying?
Chilling helps keep the sandwich firm so it doesn’t fall apart in the hot oil.
→ Can I swap the batter for something else?
Sure! Pancake mix from the store works great as a fast substitution.
→ What oil works best for frying this?
Choose canola or vegetable oil—they hold up well to high heat without burning.
→ Is this a good make-ahead dish?
You can prep and chill the sandwiches overnight but save the frying for when you’re ready to serve.
→ How can I keep the oil at the right temperature?
Use a thermometer and tweak the heat to stay between 325°F and 350°F.

Fried Turkey Ham Sandwich

Melted cheese with ham and turkey layered in a fried-to-crisp sandwich.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Sandwich

01 9 slices of turkey, cut thick and roasted
02 9 slices of ham with a touch of honey, sliced thick
03 9 pieces of honey wheat bread
04 3 slices of Swiss cheese
05 3 slices of mild cheddar cheese

→ Batter

06 2 tablespoons of baking powder
07 ½ teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
08 2 large eggs, already whisked
09 Vegetable or canola oil for frying
10 2⅔ cups of water
11 3 cups (375g) of all-purpose flour
12 ½ cup (62.5g) of powdered sugar

→ Dipping Sauce

13 Red raspberry jam or preserves
14 Honey mustard (totally optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Stack slices like this: bread, turkey, Swiss cheese, bread, ham, cheddar cheese, and another slice of bread. Cut the sandwich into triangles, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it into the fridge for 2-3 hours to cool.

Step 02

Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder in one bowl. In a different bowl, whisk eggs with water, then pour that into the dry mix, stirring until everything’s smooth.

Step 03

In a big pot, heat up about 2 inches of oil until it’s somewhere between 325°F and 350°F.

Step 04

Take one sandwich half at a time, dunk it in the batter, and fry it in the hot oil for 4-5 minutes until it looks golden. Set it on paper towels to drip off the extra oil.

Step 05

Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the sandwiches and serve them alongside raspberry jam or honey mustard if you want.

Notes

  1. If you want to make it easier, pancake batter from the store can work!
  2. Cooling the sandwich helps keep it from falling apart when you cook it in the oil.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot to handle deep frying
  • Tongs made of metal
  • Oil thermometer for checking temperature
  • Some paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products
  • Made with eggs
  • Contains wheat ingredients

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 896
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~