Joanna Gaines Monte Cristo Sandwich

This crispy, savory-sweet Joanna Gaines Monte Cristo Sandwich is made with thick-cut bread, sliced ham, and melted Swiss cheese, ready in just 20 minutes. The golden crust cracks slightly as you bite into the rich, melty center dipped in sweet berry jam. I love serving this for weekend brunch when everyone is craving something special.

Why This Classic Works

I used to skip making pan-fried sandwiches because they either turned out soggy or burned on the outside before the cheese melted. The trick I learned is to keep the heat at a steady medium-low while cooking.

Using sturdy bread like brioche or Texas toast prevents it from falling apart in the egg batter. It creates the perfect foundation for that irresistible dusting of powdered sugar.

Joanna Gaines Monte Cristo Sandwich Ingredients

• 4 slices thick brioche or Texas toast
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices deli turkey
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 1/4 cup strawberry or raspberry preserves (for dipping)

How To Make Joanna Gaines Monte Cristo Sandwich

1. Prep the bread: Spread mayonnaise on two slices of bread and Dijon mustard on the other two slices.
2. Build the sandwich: Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, two slices of ham, two slices of turkey, and another slice of cheese on the mayo-coated bread. Top with the mustard-coated bread.
3. Whisk the batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until smooth.
4. Dip the sandwiches: Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, pressing lightly to coat both sides and the edges.
5. Cook until golden: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a cutting board, slice in half, and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of fruit preserves.

Recipe Tips

• Slice thickness: Don’t slice the meat too thick or the center won’t heat all the way through.
• Press gently: Use a spatula to press down on the sandwich while it cooks to help seal it together.
• Don’t over-soak: Only dip the bread for a few seconds per side so it doesn’t become mushy.

What To Serve With Monte Cristo Sandwich

Serve this rich sandwich with a fresh mixed greens salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the sweetness. A side of crispy hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes also makes it a filling weekend brunch.

How To Store

These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in an air fryer to bring back the crispy exterior.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake them on a greased baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway. The crust won’t be quite as buttery, but it works well for making a large batch.

What is the best bread to use?

Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal because they hold up to the egg batter without falling apart.

Do I have to use turkey and ham?

You can easily use just ham or just turkey depending on what you have on hand in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 240mg
• Sodium: 1150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Protein: 38g

Try More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Crepes
• Joanna Gaines Eggs Benedict Casserole
• Joanna Gaines Churro Cookies

Joanna Gaines Monte Cristo Sandwich

Recipe by Imen Dridi

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Rich, golden Joanna Gaines Monte Cristo Sandwich features thick brioche, melty Swiss, and savory deli meats ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a comforting brunch gathering. Serve dusted with powdered sugar and a side of sweet berry jam.

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick brioche or Texas toast

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 4 slices Swiss cheese

• 4 slices deli ham

• 4 slices deli turkey

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup whole milk

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

• 1/4 cup strawberry or raspberry preserves (for dipping)

Directions

• Prep the bread: Spread mayonnaise on two slices of bread and Dijon mustard on the other two slices.
• Build the sandwich: Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, two slices of ham, two slices of turkey, and another slice of cheese on the mayo-coated bread. Top with the mustard-coated bread.
• Whisk the batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until smooth.
• Dip the sandwiches: Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, pressing lightly to coat both sides and the edges.
• Cook until golden: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
• Garnish and serve: Transfer to a cutting board, slice in half, and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of fruit preserves.