There are many versions of the Monte Cristo sandwich; however, it is basically a ham and cheese sandwich dipped in egg batter and fried on both sides like French toast. In my version of the Monte Cristo, I used smoked Black Forest ham, Asiago cheese, and a mixture of real mayonnaise and mustard as a spread. The sandwich is then dipped in an egg batter, pan-fried to a golden brown in butter, and then topped with real Vermont maple syrup. Powdered sugar could also be used. Here’s how to make it:
Start with 2- 4 slices of bread medium to thick sliced. It can be white, French, wheat, multigrain, or sprouted grain bread. Mix together well, 2 tablespoons of real mayonnaise and 1 tsp. of yellow mustard and spread onto both slices of bread.
Top one slice of bread with smoked ham, or you can use regular ham or turkey bacon.
Top the ham with a thick slice of Asiago cheese. You could also use Camembert, Swiss, or your favorite melting cheese.
Whisk together 2 eggs, 1 Tbl. real Vermont maple syrup, 1/2 cup of milk, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and melt in 2 Tbl. of butter. Place the other slice of bread on the sandwich and dip both sides of the sandwich in the egg batter.
Fry on both sides over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted. It is important not to have the heat too high so that the cheese has time to melt before it gets too brown.
When the sandwich has finished cooking, slice in half and serve with real Vermont maple syrup. Powdered sugar could also be used instead or with the maple syrup. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: About 10 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: There is enough batter to make 2 sandwiches
Ingredients:
2 – 4 slices of bread
2 Tbl. real mayonnaise
1 tsp. yellow mustard
Smoked Ham
Thick Sliced Asiago Cheese (Camembert, Swiss, Cheddar, or other favorite cheese can be used).
2 large eggs, beaten
Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
1 Tbl. Real Vermont maple syrup plus more for serving
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbl. butter