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Crispy Monte Cristo Sandwich with Raspberry Preserves

crispy monte cristo sandwich with raspberry preserves - featured image

A quick and easy Monte Cristo sandwich with crispy egg-dipped brioche, melty Swiss cheese, salty ham, and bright raspberry preserves. Perfect for brunch or a satisfying lunch in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices brioche or thick-cut white bread
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices deli ham (black forest or honey ham preferred)
  • 1/3 cup raspberry preserves
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the egg mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and slightly frothy. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out 8 slices of brioche. Spread about 1 tablespoon of raspberry preserves on 4 of the slices. Top each with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then 2 slices of ham folded to fit. Place the remaining bread slices on top to form 4 sandwiches. Press down gently.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and foam slightly.
  4. Dip the sandwiches: Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, holding for about 10 seconds per side. Let excess drip off.
  5. Cook the sandwiches: Place 2 sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Adjust heat if browning too fast.
  6. Repeat with remaining sandwiches: Wipe the skillet clean if needed, add remaining butter, and cook the other 2 sandwiches.
  7. Rest and slice: Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice each diagonally with a sharp knife.
  8. Serve immediately: Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with extra raspberry preserves for dipping.

Notes

Don’t oversoak the bread in the egg mixture—a quick dip is enough. Cook over medium heat for a golden crust and fully melted cheese. For best results, let sandwiches rest 1-2 minutes before slicing. Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven; avoid the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monte Cristo sandwich, crispy Monte Cristo, raspberry preserves sandwich, ham and cheese sandwich, French toast sandwich, brunch recipe, easy lunch