A Monte Cristo sandwich is an egg-dipped or batter-dipped ham and cheese sandwich that is pan or deep fried. It is a variation of the French croque monsieur.
| Type | Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Bread, ham, cheese (Emmental or Gruyère), egg or batter |

From the 1930s to the 1960s, American cookbooks had recipes for this sandwich under such names as "French sandwich", "toasted ham sandwich", and "French toasted cheese sandwich".[1] The Monte Cristo sandwich supposedly entered the scene in the 1960s in Southern California, and exploded in popularity after the Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland began serving it.[2]
In most regions, the sandwich is savory rather than sweet. Traditionally, it is dipped in its entirety in beaten egg and pan-fried, though it may also be deep-fried.[3] Regional variations[1][4] may include sliced turkey. In some areas of the contiguous U.S. it is served grilled; in others, it is an open sandwich with only the bread egg-dipped and the assembled sandwich heated slightly under a grill or broiler.[1] Some restaurants serve a variation that is batter-dipped and deep-fried.[5] The Monte Cristo is sometimes covered in powdered sugar and served with maple syrup or preserves.
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