The Monte Cristo Panini is a delightful twist on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich. This delectable dish combines the sweet and savory flavors of a Monte Cristo with the crispiness of a panini. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or just looking for a tasty sandwich idea, the Monte Cristo Panini is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering delight in your own kitchen.
| Name | Monte Cristo Panini |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8 minutes |
| Total Time | 18 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
| Yield | 2 sandwiches |
If – like me – you are a proponent die-hard fan of sweet & savory flavor combinations, then you will love this sandwich!
The traditional sandwich is basically an egg-battered fried ham & cheese sandwich, often served with some type of jam and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Think a french toast/ham & cheese hybrid with a fruity sweet kick.
It works, trust me.
The inspiration for this recipe was twofold: (1) we had a bunch of leftovers from the baked ham I made last weekend for Easter dinner with my in-laws (my first hosted holiday meal!), and (2) today is the last day of April – which is apparently national grilled cheese month.
Sure, I waited until the last minute to post a [pseudo] grilled cheese recipe… but better late than never, right?
Gruyere would have been a more traditional cheese for this sandwich, but all we had on hand was low-moisture part-skim mozzarella. I bet sharp cheddar would also be delicious.
As for the jam, I used my all-time favorite St. Dalfour red raspberry preserves (linked below). All-fruit strawberry or blackberry preserves would both be fantastic substitutes.
I omitted the eggy batter, and opted instead for a touch of butter slathered onto the outside of the sandwich in order to achieve a crisp golden-brown crust.
Peekaboo
Ah, there she is in her golden glory.
This panino was incredibly tasty!
The mellow mozzarella cheese melted beautifully, and the naturally sweet raspberry preserves deliciously complimented the tender ham.
I loved every single bite of this beauty, and it definitely satisfied my sweet/savory craving.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick white bread
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of turkey
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Raspberry jam for dipping (optional)
Instructions
1. Assemble the Sandwich
- Lay out the four slices of bread.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on two of the slices.
- On the other two slices, place a slice of ham, a slice of turkey, and a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Create sandwich pairs by placing a mustard-coated slice of bread on top of the meat and cheese slices.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Dip and Coat
- Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg wash, ensuring both sides are well coated.
4. Cook the Panini
- Heat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt.
- Place the dipped sandwiches onto the panini press or skillet.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown, and the cheese inside is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the Monte Cristo Panini from the press or skillet.
- Let them cool for a minute or two before slicing them diagonally.
- Dust the paninis with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Serve with a side of raspberry jam for dipping, if desired.
The Monte Cristo Panini is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. With its crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, it’s a sandwich that’s sure to impress. Whether you serve it for brunch or as a satisfying lunch, this recipe is a winner. So, don your apron and get ready to savor the deliciousness of the Monte Cristo Panini.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:550 calories per serving
Protein:24 grams per serving
Carbohydrates:35 grams per serving
Dietary Fiber:2 grams per serving
Sugars:7 grams per serving
Total Fat:34 grams per serving
Saturated Fat:16 grams per serving
Cholesterol:240 milligrams per serving
Sodium:1500 milligrams per serving
Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Additionally, this is a decadent sandwich, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat due to its higher calorie and fat content.
