This Monte Cristo breakfast sandwich is a delicious twist on a classic! Sweet and savory meet together in this easy-to-make, decadent breakfast sandwich. Inspired by the Monte Cristo sandwich at Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, this delightful bite can be created right at home!
Related: Beignet Recipe Inspired by Popular Disney Snack
Monte Cristo breakfast sandwiches are the most requested breakfast at my house for birthdays and holidays. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is melt-in-your-mouth amazing. Fried egg, ham, and Swiss cheese are nestled between two thick slices of French toast and cooked to perfection.
We first discovered the Monte Cristo Sandwich on the menu at Disneyland in Cafe Orleans. It was love at first bite! I’ll serve this sandwich dusted with powdered sugar and topped with sweet raspberry jam. It’s so yummy! But be warned, this is a very filling and satisfying breakfast. You won’t be hungry again until dinner.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwich Ingredients
- Eggs – You will need two sets of eggs. One is for the egg mixture to fry the Monte Cristo breakfast sandwiches and the other is for fried eggs. The middles poked and spread out so the eggs lay flat on the sandwich.
- Maple syrup – Add a little sweetness to the egg mixture. This is also great for using the
- Milk – This gives a creamy egg mixture.
- Vanilla – Extra flavor!
- Wheat bread – A great way to sandwich together the Monte Cristo. Make sure the wheat bread is thick and holds the egg mixture. White bread will also work for the bread.
- Cream cheese – A smooth and creamy cream cheese on the inside of the sandwich.
- Meat – Deli black forest ham and deli turkey are both great to use for the meat. If you want to use leftover ham that is delicious too.
- Swiss cheese – Melts on the inside giving it a delicious ooey gooey melty cheese.
- Powdered sugar – Sprinkle the powdered sugar over top for appearance and give an extra sweetness.
- Raspberry jam – Perfect for dipping the Monte Cristo breakfast sandwich.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwiches
Cook your Monte Cristo breakfast until each side is golden brown. This will take 2-3 minutes on each side. Use either a pan or a griddle. Cut the whole sandwich after it is done cooking.
- Combine – Mix eggs, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla with a fork and pour into a shallow bowl.
- Assemble – Spread a good amount of cream cheese on each side of the bread. Start to layer by adding the slices of ham and turkey, a fried egg, and a slice of Swiss cheese to one slice of bread and top with another slice of bread making a sandwich.
- Coat – Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture and turn it over so the entire outside of the sandwich is coated in the egg mixture.
- Cook – Cook on a hot skillet, cast-iron skillet, or in a frying pan over medium heat as if you were making French toast.
Suggestions for Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwiches
These suggestions and variations will help create the best version of a Monte Cristo breakfast sandwich! You can switch out the ingredients or add more to the sandwich. Make it just how you and your family will enjoy it!
- Thick bread – I have had the most success making this Monte Cristo sandwich on thick, dense bread. Light bread doesn’t hold the syrup and egg batter and tends to fall apart when grilling. A thicker bread holds together much better and holds the sweet taste of the syrup.
- Jam or spread – Another key to making this extra delicious is the jam you use. Dip the sandwich in a bowl of jam or spread a little on as you take each bite. Raspberry preserves, strawberry jam, and apricot jam are all great choices. Don’t forget to sprinkle on a little powdered sugar!
- Meat – If you want “non-breakfast” Monte Cristo sandwiches just switch out the fried egg and add more deli black forest ham, deli ham, or deli turkey.
- Cheese – You can also use Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss.
- Appetizer idea – This works well as a main dish. It also makes a great appetizer if you cut the sandwich into fourths and stick a toothpick in them.
- Cooking more than two – This recipe makes two large sandwiches, so be sure to adjust your ingredients if you’re cooking for a crowd.
- Serving – Because this is such a large, filling sandwich, we recommend serving it alongside a simple fruit such as grapes or strawberries.
How to Make a Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwich
Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 artisan wheat bread slices any dense wheat bread works well
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 3 slices deli black forest ham deli turkey, or both
- 2 eggs fried (middles poked and spread out so the eggs lay flat)
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- powdered sugar
- raspberry Jam or any jam you like
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix eggs, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla together with a fork and pour into a shallow dish.
- Step 2: Spread a good amount of cream cheese on each slice of bread. Add the ham and turkey, a fried egg, and a slice of Swiss cheese to one slice of bread and top with another slice of bread making a sandwich.
- Step 3: Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture and turn it over so the entire outside of the sandwich is coated in the egg mixture.
- Step 4: Cook on a skillet or in a frying pan over medium heat as if you were making French toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Monte Cristo sandwich contain?
Ham, turkey, swiss cheese, and sometimes mustard.
What is the difference between a French croque monsieur and a Monte Cristo sandwich?
Croque monsieur is a French cuisine, whereas Monte Cristo sandwiches are more American.
Why does a Monte Cristo have powdered sugar on it?
Powdered sugar-dusted on top of the Monte Cristo helps enhance their sweet and savory flavor. Dusting the powdered sugar on top and then adding fruit on the side is a complete meal.
Reheating Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwiches
Make the Monte Cristo sandwich recipe ahead of time for leftovers or freeze them for another morning breakfast. They do well in the fridge and freezer and can be warmed up in minutes.
- Fridge – Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for three to four days.
- Freezer – Wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap then in aluminum foil. Place in an airtight ziplock bag and store in the freezer for two to three months.
- Warming up – Place in the microwave or on the stove in a skillet to reheat.
Interested in more Disney Recipes?
From a yummy Dole Whip recipe to the popular Grey Stuff recipe that will transport you to the Disney Parks – check out Disney foodie favorites on our recipe page!
This post originally appeared on Favorite Family Recipes.