Monte Cristo sandwiches are great for lunch, dinner, or a fun brunch! They're also a great leftover idea after Easter! A decadent take on a toasted ham and cheese sandwich using simple ingredients.

Here, we take a grilled ham and cheese sandwich to the next level by coating the bread in beaten egg and lightly pan-frying, like French toast. Sometimes, turkey, mustard, and/or mayo are also added. Often served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a side of raspberry jam or maple syrup. These sandwiches are a decadent, slightly sweet treat, not meant to be enjoyed everyday.

A Monte Cristo sandwich also has many similarities to another French toasted sandwich, the Croque Monsieur.

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What is a croque monsieur?

A Croque Monsieur is the French version of a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Sometimes, it is dipped in a beaten egg and browned in a skillet, like French toast. It also features a crust of cheese on the outside, which becomes melted and golden brown. If you add a poached egg, then it becomes a Croque Madame!

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Ingredients in a Gluten Free Monte Cristo Sandwich

• Gluten Free Sandwich Bread
• Butter
• Sliced Ham
• Sliced Cheese
• Shredded Cheese
• Eggs
• Milk

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Steps to Make a Gluten Free Monte Cristo Sandwich

1. Spread butter on the top of 4 slices of gluten free bread.  Starting with 2 of the slices, butter side up, layer shredded cheese, a slice of cheese, ham, a second slice of cheese, and then a little more shredded cheese. Next, place the second slice of bread, butter side down, on top.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Then, melt 1/2 Tbsp. of butter in the warm skillet.
3. In a medium shallow bowl, whisk two eggs with about 2-3 Tbsp. of milk.
4. Carefully dip the top and bottom of each sandwich into the egg mixture. Then, brown each side in the skillet for about 2-4 minutes per side.
5. Allow to rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing. Serve with a powdered sugar dusting and/or some raspberry jam.

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Why is it called a Monte Cristo?

So, it is not fully known where the name came from. Often referred to as a French toasted sandwich, it has many similarities to a Croque Monsieur. Some believe that it is named after The Count of Monte Cristo, a famous novel by Alexandra Dumas. In 1966, Disneyland began serving these toasted ham and cheese sandwiches and the popularity quickly grew.

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Monte Cristo vs. Croque Monsieur

Both sandwiches include grilled ham and cheese. A Croque Monsieur often features gruyere and a béchamel sauce (white cream sauce.) In addition, it is topped with grated cheese before being baked or pan-fried. For the Monte Cristo, all of the meat and cheese is cooked inside the bread; however, the bread is dipped in beaten eggs, like French toast, before being pan-fried.

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Craving more???

Gluten Free Croque Madame

Gluten Free Baked French Toast Casserole

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