Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe (with Jam!)

Brunch? Lunch? Dinner? I'm not sure there's an occasion when this beloved sandwich isn't a popular choice. Have leftover ham? This is your recipe.

If this were Bennigan's or Disney World's original recipe, it would be deep-fried, which is the way I first enjoyed it.

But you can make it much healthier and easier by turning it into a grilled cheese sandwich.

Use keto chaffles or thin-sliced bread and sugar-free jam, and it becomes keto-friendly. Let that sink in!

There will always be a place in my heart for decadent versions and Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole. But I'm happy I can enjoy this delicious sandwich any day of the week.

Key Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese and some changes you can make:

• Bread - Absolutely any bread will work in this recipe. But, if you want to keep lower in carbs and on the healthy side, then use one of these options:
  • Thin-sliced whole wheat bread, such as Dave's Killer Bread.
  • Keto bread. These are popping up everywhere. I like the Aldi brand.
  • Keto Chaffles. I LOVE this option! 3 ingredients Cauliflower Chaffles are perfect in this recipe.
  • Cloud Bread - A savory version like the one we make with ricotta is delicious. (Leave out the garlic!)
• Ham - Use nitrite-free if you can. The original Monte Cristo uses a combination of turkey and ham. An easy way to add more protein to this sandwich is to double up on the meat!
• Cheese - Swiss cheese and or the more easily melted Gruyère cheese are the best choices. I like Havarti cheese too! These will all give you the gooey center you want.
• Raspberry Jam - Use sugar-free or low-sugar jam to keep this recipe low-carb and healthier. Strawberry and blackberry jams are also popular pairings.

Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.

Directions with Pictures

I've mastered a system for making grilled cheese with jam that minimizes the mess and comes out perfectly crisp, thanks to making way too many grilled cheese sandwiches for my kids!

It's not complicated. But, pictures along with some tips will make the point. Here we go for just one sandwich. Use the exact same method to prepare as many servings as desired.

1. Lay out a slice of bread. Spread butter on the top side and sprinkle with a little cinnamon. It's important to completely cover the bread with butter to obtain an even crusty outside, which is easier with a tub of melted butter.
2. Spread butter on one side of a second bread slice, sprinkle with cinnamon, and place it on the first slice of bread, butter sides together.
3. Spread jam on the side that is now on top. Layer ham and cheese on top of the jam.
4. Heat a very thin layer of oil over medium heat in a large pan or on a griddle. (I usually just spritz it!) Additional fat is not absolutely necessary, particularly if you've done a good job of buttering the bread completely. But I think it fills in any gaps. I like to cook it at a lower temperature so the cheese has a little extra time to melt.
   • Lift the top piece of bread (with the jam, ham, and cheese) and place in the pan butter side down.
   • Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the slice of bread in the pan.
5. Allow the sandwich to cook for 2-3 minutes, and then flip to the other side and cook for 2 minutes more. Both sides should be slightly brown and crusted but not burnt. Take a little peek at the bottom after about 1 and a half minutes to get an idea of the timing when you make the first one.

Remove the sandwich from the pan and repeat!

To serve, cut in half. Optionally, lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar and a little more raspberry jam for dipping.