Faking It Monte Cristo Sandwich: A Chef’s Ode to Speedy Decadence

There are certain dishes that, despite their inherent richness and complexity, possess a surprising ability to appear on a weeknight table. The Monte Cristo, that glorious, fried, ham-and-cheese delight, used to be one of those I reserved for leisurely weekend brunches, a culinary indulgence requiring time and a certain amount of fuss. But then, I stumbled upon a clever shortcut that changed everything: the humble frozen French toast slice. Suddenly, the indulgent, golden-brown exterior and the gooey, savory interior were within reach in a fraction of the time, proving that sometimes, the best way to capture a classic is with a touch of inspired ingenuity.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: N/A (This recipe is not specifically catered to any particular dietary restriction and contains dairy, gluten, and meat.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to craft this surprisingly quick, yet utterly satisfying, Monte Cristo sandwich:

• 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 (6-count) boxes frozen French toast (This will give you a total of 12 slices)
• 1 (9-ounce) package thinly sliced ham
• 1 (9-ounce) package thinly sliced turkey
• 12 slices Swiss cheese
• 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

Equipment Needed

To bring this recipe to life, you’ll find these tools handy:

• Baking sheet
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Oven

Instructions

This recipe masterfully leverages frozen French toast to accelerate the Monte Cristo experience. Follow these steps for a perfectly executed sandwich:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial step is crucial for ensuring the sandwiches heat through evenly after their initial skillet sear.
2. Prepare the French Toast Slices. Lay out all 12 slices of the frozen French toast on a clean work surface. Generously spread the Dijon mustard on one side of each slice. This tangy spread is a key component that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meats.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches. On 6 of the mustard-coated French toast slices, divide the thinly sliced ham and turkey evenly. Aim for a substantial layer of both.
4. Add the Cheese. Top the ham and turkey with 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each of these 6 halves. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully and offers a classic, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
5. Complete the Sandwiches. Carefully top each assembled half with the remaining 6 slices of mustard-coated French toast, creating 6 complete sandwiches. The mustard side should be facing the filling.
6. Prepare for Searing. Place the 6 assembled sandwiches on a clean plate or cutting board. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter on the top and bottom of each sandwich. Ensure you have butter on both sides of the bread for that essential golden-brown crisp.
7. Sear the Sandwiches. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is warm, carefully place the buttered sandwiches into the hot skillet. Cook each sandwich until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful sear that provides an initial layer of crispness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
8. Transfer to Baking Sheet. Once both sides of each sandwich have been seared to a golden hue, transfer them to a baking sheet. This allows them to finish cooking in the oven.
9. Bake to Perfection. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until the cheese is melted and the toast is heated through, about 4 minutes. The oven time ensures that the interior is warm and gooey, and the cheese is fully melted.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The beauty of this “Faking It” Monte Cristo lies in its simplicity, but a few chef-level nuances can elevate it further:

• Butter is Your Friend: Don’t skimp on the butter for searing. It’s what gives the Monte Cristo its signature golden, crispy exterior. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted so it spreads evenly.
• Medium Heat is Key: When searing in the skillet, medium heat is optimal. Too high, and you’ll burn the bread before the inside heats up. Too low, and it will become soggy instead of crisp.
• Watch Like a Hawk: The searing step happens quickly. Keep an eye on the sandwiches to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without burning.
• Room Temperature Butter for Searing: While the recipe calls for butter at room temperature, ensure it’s spreadable but not liquid. This helps create an even coating for a uniform sear.
• Optional Drizzle: For an extra touch of elegance, a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking can be a delightful addition, reminiscent of classic French toast.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Monte Cristo sandwiches immediately after they come out of the oven. They are at their absolute best when the cheese is molten and the exterior is perfectly crisp.

• Serving: These are a meal in themselves, but a light side salad with a bright vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast. For a true Monte Cristo experience, a small ramekin of raspberry preserves is traditional and highly recommended for dipping. A dusting of powdered sugar is an optional, but lovely, finishing touch.
• Storage: Leftovers are a rare commodity with this sandwich, but if you do have any, allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	455.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	300 g	66%
Total Fat	33.4 g	51%
Saturated Fat	19.1 g	95%
Cholesterol	133.1 mg	44%
Sodium	1029.6 mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	34.2 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	1%
Sugars	4.2 g	5%
Protein	34 g	68%

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is designed for speed and convenience, you can certainly adapt it:

• Bread: If you can’t find frozen French toast, you can use thick-cut slices of challah or brioche bread. You’ll need to dip these in a simple egg wash (1-2 eggs whisked with a splash of milk) and sear them thoroughly before assembling and baking.
• Cheese: Gruyère is a fantastic substitute for Swiss, offering a more intense nutty flavor. A blend of Swiss and mild provolone can also work beautifully.
• Meat: Feel free to experiment with other thinly sliced deli meats like turkey ham, prosciutto, or even a thin slice of roast beef for a different flavor profile.
• Preserves: While raspberry is classic, apricot preserves or even a spicy fig jam can offer exciting sweet and tangy pairings.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it called a “Faking It” Monte Cristo?
A: It’s “faking it” because it uses the convenience of pre-made frozen French toast to quickly achieve the signature crispy exterior and warm, cheesy interior without the traditional, more time-consuming method of dipping bread in an egg batter and frying from scratch.

Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of frozen French toast?
A: Yes, you can use thick-cut challah or brioche. You will need to dip these in an egg wash (1-2 eggs whisked with milk) and pan-fry them until golden brown before assembling and baking to achieve a similar texture.

Q: What kind of mustard is best for this sandwich?
A: Dijon mustard is recommended for its sharp, slightly spicy flavor that cuts through the richness of the ham, turkey, and cheese.

Q: How do I ensure the cheese is fully melted?
A: The final 4-minute bake in the 400°F oven is designed to ensure the cheese melts completely. If it doesn’t seem fully melted, you can add an extra minute or two to the baking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can assemble the sandwiches (up to the buttering stage) and refrigerate them. When ready to cook, butter them and proceed with the searing and baking steps. The final baking time might need a slight adjustment.

Final Thoughts

This “Faking It” Monte Cristo sandwich is a testament to the fact that you don’t always need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a truly satisfying and decadent meal. It’s a delightful hack that allows you to capture the essence of a classic without the commitment. The combination of the tangy Dijon, savory meats, melty Swiss cheese, and the crispy, slightly sweet exterior of the French toast is a symphony of flavors and textures. Serve it with a dollop of raspberry preserves, and you have a quick yet impressive dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a surprisingly elegant weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and prepare to be delighted by how easily you can “fake it ’til you make it” with this culinary marvel!