Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat} is like a culinary hug wrapped in crispy, golden goodness. Picture biting into layers of savory ham, turkey, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled between two slices of tender bread that have been lovingly dipped in egg batter and fried to perfection. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your mouth water as you anticipate this delightful combination of flavors.
Now, imagine enjoying this sandwich on a lazy Sunday afternoon or serving it at a brunch gathering that has everyone raving. Whether you’re trying to impress guests with your culinary skills or simply craving comfort food, this Monte Cristo Sandwich will deliver an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Monte Cristo Sandwich is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends
- The flavor profile combines sweet and savory notes that dance on your palate with each bite
- With its gorgeous golden crust and melted cheese, it’s a feast for the eyes as much as for the stomach
- Plus, its versatility allows you to customize fillings based on what you have in the fridge!
Ingredients for Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bread: Choose thick-sliced brioche or challah for a rich flavor and soft texture that holds up well during cooking.
- Deli Ham: Opt for thinly sliced honey or smoked ham for that perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
- Deli Turkey: Sliced turkey adds protein without overpowering the flavors; go for oven-roasted varieties if possible.
- Swiss Cheese: This melty cheese gives the sandwich its creamy texture; feel free to substitute with provolone if desired.
- Eggs: You’ll need eggs to create the custard-like batter that coats the bread beautifully before frying.
- Milk: Whole milk works best here; it adds richness to the egg mixture and enhances flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar at serving time elevates this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary!
- Maple Syrup: Serve alongside for drizzling; it perfectly complements the sweet-and-savory profile of the sandwich.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your skillet over medium heat while you set up an assembly line with bread, meats, cheese, and egg mixture.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth. This forms the delicious custard base that will coat your bread.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich
Take two slices of bread and layer one slice each of ham and turkey along with a generous slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich.
Step 4: Dip and Cook
Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about ten seconds on each side. Transfer them gently into your heated skillet.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Cook each sandwich until golden brown on both sides—about three minutes per side should give you that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 6: Serve with Flair
Once cooked, transfer sandwiches onto a cutting board. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve warm alongside maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with syrup for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every crunchy bite of this indulgent treat!
You Must Know
- This Bennigan’s Copycat Monte Cristo Sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience!
- With layers of ham, turkey, and gooey cheese, all nestled between golden-brown bread, it brings comfort food to a whole new level
- Perfect for brunch or a quick dinner, this sandwich will leave everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your skillet while you assemble the sandwich. Sear each side until perfectly golden, then prepare your accompanying sides like fries or a salad. This timing ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the meats for your favorites. Try adding some crispy bacon or even a slice of avocado for an extra twist. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy on both sides.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect golden crust, use butter mixed with a bit of oil; it raises the smoke point and adds flavor
- Always let the cooked sandwich rest for a minute before slicing; this helps keep those delicious fillings intact
- Don’t skimp on cheese—more is always better in a Monte Cristo!
I remember the first time I made this Monte Cristo Sandwich. Friends gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation, as I served them slices of cheesy goodness. Their smiles were priceless!
FAQs :
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}?
A Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat} is a delicious variation of the classic sandwich that combines ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese. It’s traditionally dipped in egg batter and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy outer layer with a warm, gooey cheese filling. Many people enjoy it dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping.
How do I make the perfect Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}?
To create the perfect Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}, start with high-quality bread like brioche or challah. Layer thin slices of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between two slices of bread. Dip the sandwich in an egg mixture before frying it in butter until it’s golden brown on both sides. For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to your egg mixture.
Can I make a vegetarian version of the Monte Cristo Sandwich?
Yes! To create a vegetarian version of the Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}, replace the meat with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add flavorful cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella. Follow the same frying method to achieve that crispy exterior while enjoying all the comforting flavors.
What sides pair well with a Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}?
Several sides complement a Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}. A simple green salad provides freshness, while sweet potato fries add a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you can serve it with fruit salad for a light option or potato chips for extra texture. These sides enhance your meal without overpowering the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Conclusion for Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat} :
In summary, making a Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat} is a rewarding experience that delivers both flavor and satisfaction. With layers of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese encased in crispy bread, this dish brings comfort food to new heights. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or lunch, adding creative twists makes it even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to experiment with sides to elevate your dining experience!
Monte Cristo Sandwich {Bennigan’s Copycat}
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Monte Cristo Sandwich (Bennigan’s Copycat) is a delightful comfort food that combines layers of savory ham, turkey, and melted Swiss cheese, all enveloped in crispy, golden-brown bread. This indulgent sandwich is perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy Sunday afternoon. With its sweet and savory notes, it promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe will impress guests and satisfy cravings alike.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-sliced brioche or challah bread
- 4 oz thinly sliced deli ham
- 4 oz thinly sliced deli turkey
- 4 oz Swiss cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Gather ingredients in an assembly line.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk until smooth.
- Assemble the sandwich by layering ham, turkey, and cheese between two slices of bread.
- Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture for about 10 seconds on each side.
- Place the dipped sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Dust cooked sandwiches lightly with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (220g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
