Monte Crisco Sandwiches
A comforting, layered sandwich filled with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and fresh tomatoes, topped with cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory flavor combination perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white sandwich bread ⓘ
- butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- thinly sliced baked or boiled ham ⓘ
- sliced cooked chicken or turkey ⓘ
- thinly sliced Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- dash of black pepper ⓘ
- cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes ⓘ
- cranberry sauce or currant jelly ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Fill jars to 1 1/2 inches from the top with the mixture.
- Place the jars in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven, put lids on the jars, and cool on a white cloth.
- Ensure lids do not touch each other during cooling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or sourdough bread instead of white sandwich bread. You can also substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or cheddar for a different taste. If you want a crispier sandwich, press it with a pan while cooking. Be careful not to overcook the eggs in the mixture, as they can become rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Monte Cristo sandwiches with a side of cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes for a fresh contrast. They pair perfectly with cranberry sauce or currant jelly for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Simple Chicken Soup or a light salad. These sandwiches are also delicious with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Monte Cristo sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monte Crisco Sandwiches contains roughly 196 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 635mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cook them right before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you want to prep even further, you can have the egg mixture ready to go.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you want to avoid ham, try using sliced roast beef or smoked turkey as a substitute. Both options will provide a tasty alternative while still maintaining a delicious flavor profile in your Monte Cristo sandwiches.
Can I freeze leftover sandwiches?
Freezing is possible, but it's best to freeze the sandwiches before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and cook as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly cooked sandwiches anytime.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).