Description
The Monte Cristo vs Croque Monsieur debate brings two delicious French-inspired sandwiches into the spotlight. While both feature ham, cheese, and bread, their preparation methods make them distinct. The Croque Monsieur is a classic toasted and baked sandwich topped with béchamel and melted cheese, while the Monte Cristo takes a bold turn by being dipped in egg batter and fried to crispy perfection. Whether you crave a savory, refined meal or a sweet-savory indulgence, this guide will help you create both sandwiches at home.
Ingredients
For the Croque Monsieur
Bread (brioche or sourdough) – 2 slices
Ham (Parisian or smoked) – 2 slices
Gruyère or Emmental cheese – ½ cup (grated)
Butter – 2 tbsp
Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
Béchamel sauce – ½ cup
For the Monte Cristo
Bread (white or brioche) – 2 slices
Ham (smoked or honey-glazed) – 2 slices
Swiss or Gruyère cheese – ½ cup (grated or sliced)
Butter – 2 tbsp
Eggs – 2
Milk – ¼ cup
Powdered sugar (optional) – for dusting
Jam (strawberry or raspberry) – for dipping
Instructions
Butter the outside of each bread slice
Spread Dijon mustard on one side of a slice of bread
Layer ham and half of the cheese on top
Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out
Toast in a pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides
Spread béchamel sauce over the sandwich and sprinkle the remaining cheese
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until bubbly and golden
Assemble the sandwich with bread, ham, and cheese
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk
Dip the entire sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly
Heat butter in a pan and fry the sandwich over medium heat until golden brown on both sides
For extra crispiness, deep-fry the sandwich in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) for about 2 minutes per side
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with jam for dipping
Notes
For a crispier Croque Monsieur, lightly toast the bread before assembling
Use Gruyère or Emmental for an authentic French flavor
For a healthier Monte Cristo, pan-fry instead of deep-frying
For a Croque Madame variation, top the Croque Monsieur with a fried or poached egg
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (Croque Monsieur), 12 minutes (Monte Cristo)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried, Baked, Deep-fried
- Cuisine: French, American-French Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Monte Cristo vs Croque Monsieur, French sandwiches, Monte Cristo recipe, Croque Monsieur recipe