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Why You’ll Love My Recipe
If you love a good sandwich, check this one out! My version of Disney’s Monte Cristo Sandwich can be made in just fifteen minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch.
Copycat Disneyland Monte Cristo Sandwiches? You bet! I going to teach you how to make the Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich that the Cajun restaurant in Disneyland is famous for!
Reader Review
Thank you for the great recipe and the side trip thru nostalgia 😀 I first tried the Monte Cristo sandwich back in the very early 1980’a at an “Irish pub” – themed chain restaurant called Bennigan’s and loved it. I’ve not tried the Disney version so I can’t compare, but this sounds like a very similar sandwich.
For a bit of culinary history, an 1890’s French late-night after-party favorite was called the Croque Monsour, a ham and swiss sandwich spread both sides with bechamel sauce (a cheesy white sauce) and toasted or broiled to a crispy finish (“croque” means ‘crispy’). Topped with a soft fried egg it became the Croque Madame.
Karlynn’s Recipe Notes
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time Required: 15 minutes
- Variations: Like any sandwich, the variations here are practically endless. The batter is what makes this specific Monte Cristo an imitation of the Disney version. If you change up your fillings and add some Béchamel Sauce, you might be making a Croque Monsieur; if you add a poached egg, you’ll have a Croque Madame.
- Tools Needed: Not too many tools needed for this, but you will want some toothpicks, a medium frying pan, and a bowl.
What You’ll Need For Ingredients
Swiss Cheese: Pre-sliced or sliced yourself (you can choose the thickness of your slices that way!) from a big brick of your favourite Swiss cheese.
Ham and Turkey: Sliced deli meat. Prepackaged or freshly cut at your local deli counter.
Batter Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
Bread: Any square bread really. White, brown, whole grain. Thick or thin. Whatever fits your meat and cheese.
Optional Toppings: Icing (powdered) sugar and jam.
How to Make a Monte Cristo Sandwich
This is a quick overview of the recipe. The full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions is in the recipe card below.
- On your first slice of bread, put a slice of Swiss cheese, then the four meat slices, followed by your second slice of Swiss cheese and your second slice of bread.
- Place a toothpick in each corner of the sandwich to hold everything together.
- Mix your sweet batter. Dip the whole sandwich in the batter, covering the surface thoroughly, and fry in 340°F oil until golden.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Remove the toothpicks and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Karlynn’s Tips and Tricks for Making a Monte Cristo Sandwich
Choose Wisely: Pick the right thickness of bread for the the type of sandwich you like best! Thick, Texas Toast-style slices or standard sandwich bread will work best. If you use thinner slices, just watch carefully to make sure you don’t burn your sandwich in the hot oil.
Make it Sweet: Many people enjoy this particular sandwich with a drizzle of jam (strawberry or raspberry) on top. You could keep a dish of jam on the side for dipping, or even spread some jam right inside the sandwich if you really want to.
Keep it Fresh: Eat this sandwich while it’s still warm and crunchy. It just won’t be nearly as good if you leave it for later.
Storage Instructions
This is one to eat right away. You could wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for a day or two, but it would likely get soggy.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
You can’t beat the convenience of a quick, yummy sandwich!
Try this Classic Toasted Tomato Sandwich for a quick lunch or breakfast.
Best Ever Crockpot Beef Dips are an easy dinner for a busy weekday.
Change things up with a Curried Chicken Quinoa Wrap or a Salmon Salad Sandwich.
Make sure to read my Disneyland Food Bucket List; it has all the great things you need to eat! I really hope you all try this recipe at least once! Let me know how it turns out if you do!
Happy Cooking!
Karlynn
Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Ingredients
Sweet Batter Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Monte Cristo Sandwich Ingredients:
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices turkey
- 8 slices ham
- 8 slices Texas-style white bread, or any square white bread
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil , for frying
- powdered sugar , for dipping
- raspberry jam , for dipping
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk and egg thoroughly.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and combine until there are no lumps. The batter should be fairly runny, yet still thick enough to stick to the sandwich. If needed, add a teensy bit more milk.
- Make the sandwiches by layering a slice of Swiss cheese, then the 4 meat slices, then Swiss cheese, top with the remaining slice of bread. Putting cheese on either side of the meat ensures a beautiful melty goodness when you are done! Leave the sandwiches whole for frying, as you lose the cheesy goodness inside otherwise. Only slice them after they are cooked up!
- Place a toothpick on each corner of the sandwich.
- Dip the whole sandwich in the batter, covering the surface completely and fry in 340 degrees Fahrenheit oil until golden. Fry one side until it's golden brown, then flip and continue to fry the other side until it's golden brown. The Texas toast will take longer to heat up the inside, thus the lower frying temperature. If you are using normal bread, you can go up to around 360 degrees Fahrenheit for frying.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Remove the toothpicks and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. If you want the real Disney deal, dip your sandwich in raspberry jam!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pam says
Thank you for the great recipe and the side trip thru nostalgia 😀 I first tried the Monte Cristo sandwich back in the very early 1980’a at an “Irish pub” – themed chain restaurant called Bennigan’s and loved it. I’ve not tried the Disney version so I can’t compare, but this sounds like a very similar sandwich.
For a bit of culinary history, an 1890’s French late-night after-party favorite was called the Croque Monsour, a ham and swiss sandwich spread both sides with bechamel sauce (a cheesy white sauce) and toasted or broiled to a crispy finish (“croque” means ‘crispy’). Topped with a soft fried egg it became the Croque Madame.
Regina says
I make French toast. Put the ham and Swiss in between two pieces and nuke it to melt the cheese and heat the ham.
Gail says
First had Monte Cristo sandwich when Disney World first opened. The Orlando Sentinel printed the recipe and yours is pretty much the same recipe. Love it! Makes a great dish for “ladies who lunch’ bunch.
Kels says
I’m not sure why so many people are changing this recipe, it’s perfect! A true copycat! We used homemade raspberry jam and it just bursts with flavor.
michelle says
Feel rather silly asking, but do you have the frying oil in a frying pan with it going up the side like frying chicken or do you dip it whole into oil like french fries?
Jan says
Yes, I find myself also unsure if it is deep fried or skillet fried – ingredient list only says 4 tablespoons of oil to fry .
Jan says
I forgot to say I tried your great recipe – I adore Disneyland Monte Cristo – we had them at the little cafe in the “French Quarter” and it was our wedding anniversary – we had the Beignets as well- the food was sublime. But yeah I did them in my waffle iron, no batter because I am remodeling my kitchen – no kitchen hood to take up all the frying spatters – and def. have them with the cup of jam to dip in – you’re missing out if u don’t. And hope u will clarify about the oil – are they deep fried or no.? Can’t wait to try them next time with the batter.
Karlynn says
They are NOT completely deep fried, you can flip them in the pan! It’s easier than deep frying and you still get the crispy outside!
Chef Mombo says
You left out the light smear of hot mustard on the ham, this is key to the flavor profile.
Jeff says
Works great with an extra 1/4 cup of milk. Test a small spoonful of batter in your hot oil to make sure it tastes how you like (and that you didn’t mix up baking powder with baking soda, ask me how I know).
Patti says
First time I tried a Monte Cristo. I had to thin the batter after the first one. I was hesitant about put powdered sugar on top but definitely was good with the sugar. We also dipped in Maple syrup because we didn’t have raspberry jam.
Both my husband and I agreed this is something we’ll eat again. Thank you for sharing the recipe
Laura says
Great recipe!
anne says
I’ve never been happy with the batter for a Monte Cristo. This is perfect! Definitely my new go to recipe – and I’ve never even been to Disneyland!
Tami says
Made this during the 2022 Blizzard in NY. It was a huge hit! I used Provolone instead of Swiss, and finished them off in the oven to melt the cheese and warm up the ham and turkey a little more.
Lindsay says
Great recipe! I used Muenster and it turned out dreamy.
Jenn says
Has anyone tried this in an air fryer?? This looks pretty darn close to the one at Disneyland for sure!
Hazelnut Honey says
It was delicious! We cooked them in the oven instead. 350 degrees about 20 minutes. Trying to be just a bit healthier and a little less messy. We used two flavors of ham because we forgot to buy turkey. Tasted good. Fried the sandwich would have been better. But for those watching calories a bit and health (and mess) just know oven cooking works just fine too.
Kathleen Anderson says
Do you know the recipe for Disneyland Beef Enchiladas with a mild brown/reddish sauce.
Deb says
Oh my gosh! This is my favourite sandwich although I have never had it with the batter. Made these for supper tonight, hubby is impressed! I served them with real Canadian maple syrup
Thank you for the recipe!
Lori Meredith says
My husband LOVED this!!!
JEANNE MC GLYNN HART says
Is there any chance you have the Disneyland recipe for Teriyaki sauce. I worked at the Tahitian Terrace in the late 60’s & the Chef for Disneyland made the best teriyaki sauce for teriyaki steak. I wish I had asked for the recipe when I was there. I remember the Head Chef’s name was Indian. We used to put in fried rice. Really good. His shrimp tempura was also excellent.
Melissa Martinez says
Delicious! However, next time I make this I’ll dip the battered bread first then apply the cheese and meats, slice. Finish off melting cheese in 400 degree oven.
Mary says
This recipe is fantastic! The family loves how they turned out. Thank you!
KimberleeT says
Yum, yum, yum…another win for our family! We love these and your delicious scone recipe. These two recipes are my go to for repeat favorites in our home.
Amanda K Lewis says
Absolutely yummy….My whole family and friends loves when I make these. Truly our favorite meal, especially now that my kids are old enough to help me make it.