Monte Cristo grilled cheese is the ultimate sandwich. Ham and Swiss cheese are pressed between slices of bread slathered with cinnamon butter and a layer of raspberry jam. Grill it, top with powdered sugar and prepare to be wowed.
Brunch? Dessert? Dinner? Lunch? I’m not sure there is an occasion when a Monte Cristo grilled cheese sandwich isn’t a good idea!
April is National Grilled Cheese Month and we are in full celebration mode this year. My youngest daughter tried cheese for the first time about a month ago. As a cheese lover, it is still hard for me to fathom. For 12 years it was not a part of her diet because of a food allergy. Well…she tried it and she loves it. Meanwhile, my older daughter could live on a diet of grilled cheese alone. Let’s just say that we are now a family united in our love of this comfort food. 🙂
I can’t think of a more decadent way to celebrate this food holiday than with a Monte Cristo grilled cheese sandwich. This combination, which also shines in Monte Cristo Casserole, is a sentimental favorite around here. But, I’d like to think it’s a little healthier than the deep fried version. A few switches you can make: whole wheat bread, low sugar jam and nitrate-free ham. You can use coconut oil instead of butter too.
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Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 slices of bread any type - I used a whole wheat/white swirl
- 16 slices of ham thinly sliced (preferably nitrate-free)
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 16 Tablespoons raspberry jam or substitute with strawberry or blackberry
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine butter and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Brush one side of each slice of bread with the butter mixture using a pastry brush.
- Spread 1 Tablespoon of jam on the un-buttered side of each slice of bread.
- Build each sandwich by layering 4 slices of ham and 2 slices of cheese over the jam on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread, jam side down, on top to finish off each sandwich.
- Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- Add sandwiches to pan, in batches if necessary.
- Allow sandwich to cook on each side for about 2 minutes or until each side is slightly crisped and golden brown.
- Cut sandwich in half, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.
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Hello! We’re sharing easy and healthy recipes the whole family will love! Why am I called the Dinner-Mom? 
A Monte Cristo is one of my husband’s favorite sandwiches. I need to make this version for him since it’s much better than being battered and deep fried.
A lot easier to grill than fry too!
I make Monte Cristos alot but never added jam. I’ll have to try that!
It sure simplified things!
I adore a great Monte Cristo and yours looks fantastic!!
Thanks Isabel. It’s a favorite of mine too!
Monte Cristos are one of my favorite Jersey diner classics. Love this!
I did not realize there was Jersey connection! Thanks!
I haven’t had a monte cristo sandwich in forever! I love the jam you added to it!
Thanks Jennifer! It had been a while for me as well…I had quite a few this week though!
I have my first Monte Cristo on my honeymoon…and loved it from the first bite! Yours looks fantastic…and now I’m craving one for breakfast 🙂
Thanks! I had my first one at Bennigans! Wow—that seems like quite a while ago.
A family united is so much more enjoyable! 🙂
I love your healthier version of a monte cristo sandwich and the jam adds just the right amount of sweetness!
Thanks Betsy! We all enjoyed this one.
I have never had a Monte Cristo before, and after seeing this, that will change. This will be the perfect sandwich to use up that leftover Easter ham. Looks fantastic!!
I hope you try one soon. They are delicious!
I am totally wowed!!! LOVE this Monte Cristo grilled cheese and LOVE the swirl bread!!! so delicious and pretty!!!
Thanks Alice! The swirly bread is a bit of a compromise at our house..1/2 white and 1/2 whole wheat!
This is such a creative combo of flavors. Love!
Thanks Jennie! So many wonderful grilled cheese sandwich combos today!
I am intrigued with your swirl bread, and sobered by the thought of 12 years without cheese. !
I’m literally doing a happy dance!!! So many new things to try with cheese!
A Monte Cristo is hands-down one of my favorite sammies of all-time. This looks amazing!
Thanks Heather! I’m craving one right now!
I have not made Monte Cristo grilled cheeses in ages! I think I need to get back to them and introduce my kids to the fab flavors! Love the jam!
Thanks! This is the first go round for my girls too! They loved it.
My husband was folding laundry while I was looking at this, and it took him only one glance to say “Is that a Monte Cristo? Mmm.” And then he asked me like ten more questions about your recipe. It got the Jeff seal of approval 🙂
Yay! Glad it got the seal!
The Monte Cristo is my favorite sandwich, hands down. And I love that you can eat it for any meal of the day!
Thanks Courtney! It’s a favorite of mine too!
Love that this sandwich is perfect no matter what time of day – winner!
Thanks Melanie…I can honestly say I’ve had it for every meal…but, no all on the same day!
Love the wine you chose!
Thank you!!! Me too!!!
Cinnamon butter– I’m craving this right now! Fantastic recipe!!!
Thanks! It’s a little touch that makes a big difference.
This combo just blew my mind. I’m not sure how I’ve never heard of a Monte Cristo before, but this looks amazing!
Wow! I’m amazed at how many people have not tried this combo…it’s delicious!
I love the healthy twist you have taken with this. Absolutely GORGEOUS!
Thank you!!! It’s a bit healthier than frying!!
I’ve never had a monte cristo but it really is the perfect marriage of sweet and savory!
They are delish…I hope you get to try one soon!
I love Monte Cristo sandwiches from way back in the day! Hey, last weekend I went to a foodie conference in St Pete FL and met Isabel from SS…. what a great story she has. I need to sign up!
Thanks Deb! So glad you got to meet Isabel. She is an inspiration…would love to have you around the #SundaySupper dinner table!
I have been dying to try a Monte Cristo at some point in my life: they sound like the perfect combo of sweet and savory. YUM!
Thanks! I hope you try one soon!
I would love to have this for my kids as a snack. They would love it!