There are sandwiches, and then there are sandwiches that feel like an entire meal—and maybe even a little bit like dessert. The Monte Cristo sandwich definitely belongs in the second category.

National Monte Cristo Day, celebrated each year on September 17, is a delicious excuse to enjoy one of America’s most distinctive sweet-and-savory sandwiches. Traditionally made with ham, turkey, and cheese layered between slices of bread, the sandwich is dipped in an egg mixture and cooked until golden brown. A dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam or preserves complete the experience.

It sounds unusual if you’ve never tried one. Meat, melted cheese, powdered sugar, and jam don’t necessarily seem like ingredients destined to share the same plate.

But somehow, they work.

The salty ham, tender turkey, rich melted cheese, buttery bread, sweet powdered sugar, and fruity preserves create a combination that has kept the Monte Cristo popular for generations.

National Monte Cristo Day is the perfect opportunity to discover—or rediscover—this unforgettable sandwich.

What Is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?

A Monte Cristo is essentially a hot ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich with a French-toast-inspired twist.

Recipes vary, but a classic version generally includes:

• Sliced ham
• Sliced turkey
• Swiss cheese
• Bread
• Eggs
• Milk
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Raspberry or strawberry preserves

The assembled sandwich is dipped in an egg-and-milk mixture before being cooked until the outside becomes golden and slightly crisp while the cheese inside melts.

Powdered sugar is sprinkled over the finished sandwich, and preserves are commonly served alongside it for dipping.

That final combination is what makes the Monte Cristo stand apart from an ordinary grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich.

You get savory, salty, creamy, buttery, crispy, and sweet flavors in nearly every bite.

The History of the Monte Cristo

The exact origin of the Monte Cristo sandwich isn’t completely clear, but its culinary roots are generally connected to the French croque monsieur.

The croque monsieur is a famous French hot sandwich traditionally prepared with ham and cheese. Its name roughly translates to “mister crunch,” an appropriate description of its toasted exterior.

American restaurants began serving variations of hot ham-and-cheese sandwiches during the early decades of the 20th century.

Some were called French sandwiches, toasted ham sandwiches, or variations of the croque monsieur.

Eventually, the name Monte Cristo began appearing.

Exactly why the sandwich received that name remains uncertain. The name naturally brings to mind Alexandre Dumas’ famous novel The Count of Monte Cristo, but there isn’t a definitive historical explanation establishing exactly how the sandwich became associated with the name.

What we do know is that by the middle of the 20th century, the Monte Cristo had become an established American restaurant dish.

Disneyland Helped Make the Monte Cristo Famous

One of the most famous versions of the Monte Cristo became associated with Disneyland in California.

When the Blue Bayou Restaurant opened inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction area in 1967, its menu helped introduce generations of visitors to a rich, fried version of the sandwich.

For many people, eating a Monte Cristo became part of the Disneyland experience.

The Disney-style version became particularly memorable because of its indulgent preparation. Instead of simply cooking the sandwich on a griddle like French toast, it could be battered and fried, creating an especially crispy exterior.

Combined with powdered sugar and fruit preserves, it blurred the line between lunch and dessert.

That combination helped turn an already interesting sandwich into something iconic.

Why Sweet and Savory Work So Well Together

At first glance, powdered sugar and raspberry preserves might seem strange next to ham and turkey.

But sweet-and-savory combinations appear throughout cuisines around the world.

Think about:

• Honey-glazed ham
• Turkey with cranberry sauce
• Chicken and waffles with maple syrup
• Pork with apples
• Cheese served with fruit
• Bacon with maple syrup

The Monte Cristo follows the same principle.

Saltiness from the meat and cheese is balanced by sweetness from the powdered sugar and preserves.

Meanwhile, the acidity and fruitiness of the preserves cut through some of the richness of the cheese and butter.

Every ingredient brings something different to the sandwich.

Classic Homemade Monte Cristo Sandwich

You don’t have to visit a restaurant to celebrate National Monte Cristo Day. A delicious version can be made right at home.

Ingredients

Makes 2 sandwiches

• 6 slices white bread or brioche
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices deli turkey
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Raspberry or strawberry preserves for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the bread

Lay out the bread slices. If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the inside of several slices.

2. Build the sandwiches

Layer Swiss cheese, turkey, ham, and another slice of cheese between the bread.

A traditional Monte Cristo can be made as a three-slice sandwich, creating two layers of meat and cheese.

Press the sandwich together gently.

3. Prepare the egg mixture

Whisk the eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl until completely combined.

4. Dip the sandwiches

Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture.

Coat both sides without allowing the bread to become excessively soggy.

5. Heat the skillet

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

6. Cook

Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for several minutes on each side until the bread becomes golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Lower the heat if necessary so the bread doesn’t brown before the cheese warms completely.

7. Finish with powdered sugar

Transfer the sandwiches to plates and allow them to cool for a minute.

Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar.

8. Serve

Slice each sandwich in half and serve with raspberry or strawberry preserves on the side.

Then comes the best part: dip and enjoy.

Choosing the Right Bread

Bread makes a major difference when preparing a Monte Cristo.

You need something sturdy enough to hold the meat and cheese while also absorbing some of the egg mixture.

Classic white sandwich bread works perfectly well.

For something richer, try brioche.

Its buttery flavor complements the egg coating and gives the sandwich an almost custard-like quality inside.

Challah can also work beautifully.

Very thin or extremely soft bread can become soggy, especially if it’s left in the egg mixture too long.

Raspberry Preserves or Strawberry Jam?

Raspberry preserves are one of the most traditional accompaniments for a Monte Cristo.

Their slightly tart flavor works particularly well against the richness of Swiss cheese and ham.

But there aren’t any rules saying you can’t experiment.

Try:

• Strawberry preserves
• Blackberry jam
• Mixed berry preserves
• Apricot preserves
• Cherry preserves
• Cranberry sauce

You could even serve several varieties and let everyone decide which combination they like best.

Monte Cristo Variations Worth Trying

Part of the fun of celebrating a food holiday is experimenting with the original.

Breakfast Monte Cristo

Add a fried or scrambled egg inside the sandwich.

Serve it with breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit for an indulgent brunch.

Bacon Monte Cristo

Add crispy bacon to the traditional ham and turkey.

The additional smoky and salty flavor pairs surprisingly well with raspberry preserves.

Chicken Monte Cristo

Replace the turkey with sliced or shredded chicken.

Leftover roasted chicken works particularly well.

Extra-Cheesy Monte Cristo

Combine Swiss with another melting cheese such as Gruyère, provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar.

Spicy Monte Cristo

Add sliced jalapeños or a thin layer of pepper jelly.

The combination of spicy, sweet, salty, and creamy flavors creates an entirely different experience.

Thanksgiving Monte Cristo

Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey and add a thin layer of cranberry sauce.

It’s a fantastic way to transform holiday leftovers into something completely different.

What to Serve With a Monte Cristo

The Monte Cristo is already rich, so lighter sides can balance the meal.

Try serving it with:

• Fresh berries
• Melon
• Grapes
• Mixed green salad
• Tomato soup
• Pickles
• Coleslaw
• Fresh fruit salad

Of course, if you’re fully embracing the celebration, french fries or crispy breakfast potatoes aren’t exactly a bad idea either.

For brunch, serve your Monte Cristo alongside coffee, tea, orange juice, or a refreshing fruit drink.

A Perfect Brunch Sandwich

The Monte Cristo occupies an unusual place in the food world.

Is it breakfast?

Lunch?

Brunch?

Dessert?

The answer could easily be all of the above.

Its egg-coated bread resembles French toast. Ham, turkey, and cheese make it feel like lunch. Powdered sugar and fruit preserves introduce dessert flavors.

That’s precisely why the sandwich works so well for brunch.

You don’t have to choose between breakfast and lunch.

You can have both.

How to Celebrate National Monte Cristo Day

September 17 gives you plenty of delicious possibilities.

Make a traditional Monte Cristo at home and serve it with raspberry preserves.

Order one from a restaurant you’ve never tried before.

Invite friends or family over for brunch and create a Monte Cristo bar with different meats, cheeses, and jams.

Experiment with a completely new variation.

You could even hold a taste test using different preserves.

Try raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and apricot and see which one wins.

And if you’ve never eaten a Monte Cristo before, National Monte Cristo Day gives you the perfect excuse to finally find out what you’ve been missing.

More Than Just Another Sandwich

There are countless ways to put meat and cheese between two pieces of bread.

The Monte Cristo decided that wasn’t enough.

It took inspiration from French cuisine, added the comforting qualities of French toast, incorporated classic deli meats and melted cheese, and finished everything with powdered sugar and fruit preserves.

The result shouldn’t necessarily work.

But it does.

Beautifully.

Perhaps that’s why the Monte Cristo has remained memorable for so long. It refuses to fit neatly into a single category.

It’s sweet and savory.

Crispy and soft.

Breakfast and lunch.

Familiar and unusual.

Sometimes the best foods are the ones willing to break a few rules.

Celebrate September 17 With Something Delicious

National Monte Cristo Day is ultimately about enjoying a sandwich that has earned its place among America’s memorable comfort foods.

Whether you prepare the simple skillet version at home, seek out an old-fashioned restaurant version, or create your own outrageous variation, September 17 is a day to appreciate everything that makes the Monte Cristo special.

Pile on the ham and turkey.

Let the Swiss cheese melt.

Get the bread beautifully golden.

Add that snowfall of powdered sugar.

Put some raspberry preserves on the side.

Then take that first sweet, salty, cheesy bite.

Happy National Monte Cristo Day!

Have you ever dipped a hot ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich into raspberry preserves—or would you be willing to try a Monte Cristo for the first time?