Indulge in the delectable Monte Cristo sandwich, a culinary masterpiece that has captivated taste buds since its inception in the 1930s. This iconic sandwich features layers of savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and tangy raspberry preserves, all enveloped in a golden-brown, crispy batter. Its origins trace back to the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, where it quickly gained popularity among Hollywood's elite. Over the years, variations of the Monte Cristo have emerged, each offering a unique twist on the classic.
This article presents a collection of Monte Cristo sandwich recipes, taking you on a culinary journey through time and taste. From the Original 1949 Brown Derby Cookbook recipe, which stays true to the sandwich's roots, to the modern iterations with unexpected flavor combinations, this article has something for every palate. Discover the secrets behind the perfect batter, explore creative fillings, and learn how to achieve that irresistibly crispy exterior. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, these recipes will guide you in crafting a Monte Cristo sandwich that will leave your taste buds dancing.
ORIGINAL 1949 BROWN DERBY COOKBOOK - MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH
One of my family's all-time favorites, we really love this simple old-time version of the Monte Cristo Sandwich! It's great for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Traditionally dusted with confectioner's sugar, and served with red currant jelly for dipping. You can add a dab of Dijon mustard, if desired. Although this sandwich can be quartered and deep-fried, many of the earliest recipes, like this one adapted from 'The Brown Derby Cookbook' (Doubleday, 1949), call for frying it in a skillet, like french toast.
Provided by BecR2400
Categories Breakfast
Time 15m
Yield 2 Monte Cristo Sandwiches, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Lightly beat eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- For each sandwich, lightly butter 3 slices of bread on both sides.
- Place 2 slices of turkey and 2 of ham between 2 slices of bread.
- Top with 2 slices of cheese and add last slice of bread.
- Trim crusts, secure with toothpicks, and cut in half on the diagonal.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip sandwich halves, top and bottom, in batter.
- When butter foams, place sandwiches in skillet and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet, turn sandwiches, and fry for 2 minutes more.
- Transfer to plates, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, and serve with jelly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 547, Fat 37.4, SaturatedFat 21, Cholesterol 292.1, Sodium 800.2, Carbohydrate 39.8, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 3.6, Protein 13.3
MONTE CRISTO CASSEROLE
One of my sons could not get past the Monte Cristo sandwich at the Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland. I made this casserole for him and he loved it. I hope you do to.
Provided by Normaone
Categories Breakfast
Time 55m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375^F.
- Pour milk in a microwaveable container and heat until hot.
- Whisk eggs in small bowl and add hot milk to eggs, blend.
- Cut French toast into 3/4 inch cubes; place in a large bowl.
- Pour egg mixture over bread cubes, toss gently, set aside.
- Combine ham, turkey, cheese and parsley in a bowl.
- Spray a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Layer half the french toast cubes with half the meat mixture in bottom of pan.
- Repeat.
- Let stand for at least 10 minutes (It can be held overnight.) Set at room temperature for a few minutes before baking-or bake a little longer if it's cold.
- Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set in center.
- Cool 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Slice strawberries.
- Combine strawberries with strawberry ice cream topping in a small bowl.
- Cut casserole into squares.
- Serve topped with strawberry mixture.
BROILED MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH
Worth the little bit of work that goes into it. Make sure you put plenty of the sauce on the plate when you serve it, it really adds to the sandwich.
Provided by Marg CaymanDesigns
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 25m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Assemble 2 sandwiches, each filled with 2 slices of the turkey and 2 slices of the ham.
- Beat eggs with water in a shallow bowl.
- In a frying pan, heat oil and butter.
- Dip both sides of one sandwich in eggs.
- Fry both sides of the sandwich until golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
- Place sandwiches in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine cheese, milk, mayonnaise, and nutmeg.
- Heat, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and mixture is smooth.
- Pour over sandwiches.
- Broil 6 inches from heat for 4-5 minutes or until bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 694, Fat 47.4, SaturatedFat 18.1, Cholesterol 277.9, Sodium 1300.4, Carbohydrate 38.4, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 5.5, Protein 28.7
BROWN DERBY OLD FASHIONED FRENCH DRESSING
This dressing recipe, and the Brown Derby Original Cobb Salad, was given to Bob Donohue, of San Antonio, by Bob Cobb, owner of the Brown Derby in Hollwood. Prep time is an estimate.
Provided by Miss Annie
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Blend all ingredients, except oils.
- Add olive oil and salad oil.
- Mix well.
- Chill and shake thoroughly before serving on salad.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1970.7, Fat 216.8, SaturatedFat 29.9, Sodium 56.2, Carbohydrate 10.6, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1.9, Protein 1.9
BEST MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH
This is my one of my son's most requested recipes, though all my kids love it! We serve it with warmed, real maple syrup for dipping. We tried 4 or 5 recipes before combining a few to come up with this one, now nothing else will do!
Provided by Darcys Diner
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 4 sandwiches, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Assemble four sandwiches using bread, meats, and cheeses. Set aside. In medium mixing bowl (I use a square casserole dish), combine egg, water, milk, salt, sugar, flour, baking powder & mustard. Beat well. Heat about 1" of oil in deep skillet (I use a large iron skillet). Dip your sandwiches into the coating mixture, I like to get them well soaked. They will be drippy -- try to drain off a bit, carefully slide into the hot oil. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. When nicely browned, gently flip over & brown other side. Remove to paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let cool a few minutes before cutting so the cheese doesn't ooze out. Cut each sandwich into four fingers for easy dipping. Serve with syrup or jam.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 567.7, Fat 21.9, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 148.7, Sodium 2340.7, Carbohydrate 55.5, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 8, Protein 35.8
BENNIGANS MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH
Bennigan's makes the most awesome Monte Cristo sandwiches. A great break from the usual toasted ham & cheese.
Provided by Mysterygirl
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 10m
Yield 3 sandwiches, 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place turkey and Swiss cheese on one slice of bread and ham and American cheese on another slice of bread.
- Place third slice.
- in-between and secure the triple-decker sandwich in the corners with tooth picks.
- Place egg in mixing bowl, add water and beat together.
- Add salt, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
- Beat batter until smooth.
- Dip sandwich in batter and carefully cover all the sides and surface.
- Carefully place in hot oil and fry until golden.
- When sandwich has turned a warm gold color remove from hot oil and place on paper towel.
- Let cool for a few minutes before removing the tooth picks.
- Before serving slice into fourths and sprinkle.
- with powder sugar.
- Serve with Raspberry jam.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in your Monte Cristo sandwich.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make a Monte Cristo sandwich. Try different types of bread, cheese, and fillings to find your perfect combination.
- Make sure your sandwich is cooked through. The eggs should be set and the cheese should be melted and gooey.
- Serve your sandwich immediately. Monte Cristo sandwiches are best when they're hot and fresh out of the pan.
Conclusion:
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a classic American comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a quick and delicious meal, give the Monte Cristo sandwich a try.
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