Make a special Ham and Cheese Sandwich, such as a Monte Cristo or the French version of Croque Monsieur

 

Food historians believe that the Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur that was originally first served in a Paris cafe. According to oral accounts, the Monte Cristo sandwich is said to have been first served in southern California.

Croque Monsieur, the French version has ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce. Monte Cristo sandwich contains ham and cheese that is dipped in egg, fried, and topped with powdered sugar.

These sandwiches can be rich and not very healthy. My easy version is better for you [somewhat!!] because I don’t deep-fry them.  I prefer the Monte Cristo sandwich. You can make this sandwich with two layers or three. I make the 2-layer sandwich for my family and served it with a cup of my Asparagus soup. See recipe.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

2 servings

Ingredients For 3 Layer Sandwich

6 slices of sturdy bread
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
8 thin slices of baked ham
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices American cheese
2 eggs
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Pinches of salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter

Directions

Beat eggs in a shallow dish (large enough to fit a sandwich) along with the milk and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Combine the mustard and mayonnaise.
Spread the bread slices with the mustard/mayonnaise mixture.

 

Divide the ham and cheese between the layers of bread to make 2 sandwiches. Slightly compress sandwiches.

Heat skillet over medium heat. Add butter; allow to melt.
Dip and coat each sandwich in beaten egg, and place in skillet.

Cook sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned to a liking and the cheese has melted.

Serve with pickles and a garden salad.

 

 

Monte Cristo Sandwich

2 servings

Ingredients For 2 Layer Sandwich

4 slices of sturdy bread
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
4 thin slices of baked ham
2 slices Swiss cheese
2 slices American cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Pinches of salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Beat the egg in a shallow dish (large enough to fit a sandwich) along with the milk and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Combine the mustard and mayonnaise.
Spread the bread slices with the mustard/mayonnaise mixture.

Divide the ham and cheese and place half on two bread slices.
Top each with a bread slice mustard side down. Slightly compress sandwiches.

Heat skillet over medium heat. Add butter; allow to melt.
Dip and coat each sandwich in beaten egg, and place in skillet.

Cook sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned to a liking and the cheese has melted.


Posted by in Bread, Cheese, Ham, Healthy Italian Cooking, sandwiches