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 softened
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 slices whole wheat bread any type
- 12 ounces ham we used deli ham; can also use a turkey/ham combination
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 Tablespoons raspberry jam, low-sugar or strawberry, blackberry; more for dipping is optional
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, canola oil
- Powdered sugar, optional
Instructions
- Spread butter on ONE side of each slice of bread and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Spread jam on the un-buttered side of the bread.
- Build each sandwich by layering ham and cheese over the jam. The uncooked sandwich will be buttered on the outside and have all the other ingredients inside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sandwiches to skillet, in batches if necessary.
- Allow sandwiches to cook on each side for about 2 minutes or until each side is slightly crisped and golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Cut sandwiches in half, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm with extra jam for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Low-carb changes: Use bread that is low in net carbs and sugar-free jam.
Nutrition
Renee
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.
Marjory
A lot easier to grill than fry too!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
I make Monte Cristos alot but never added jam. I’ll have to try that!
Marjory
It sure simplified things!
Isabel Laessig
I adore a great Monte Cristo and yours looks fantastic!!
Marjory
Thanks Isabel. It’s a favorite of mine too!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Monte Cristos are one of my favorite Jersey diner classics. Love this!
Marjory
I did not realize there was Jersey connection! Thanks!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers
I haven’t had a monte cristo sandwich in forever! I love the jam you added to it!
Marjory
Thanks Jennifer! It had been a while for me as well…I had quite a few this week though!
Liz
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 🙂
Marjory
Thanks! I had my first one at Bennigans! Wow—that seems like quite a while ago.
Betsy @ Desserts Required
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!
Marjory
Thanks Betsy! We all enjoyed this one.
Alida
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!!
Marjory
I hope you try one soon. They are delicious!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom
I am totally wowed!!! LOVE this Monte Cristo grilled cheese and LOVE the swirl bread!!! so delicious and pretty!!!
Marjory
Thanks Alice! The swirly bread is a bit of a compromise at our house..1/2 white and 1/2 whole wheat!
Jennie @themessybakerblog
This is such a creative combo of flavors. Love!
Marjory
Thanks Jennie! So many wonderful grilled cheese sandwich combos today!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I am intrigued with your swirl bread, and sobered by the thought of 12 years without cheese. !
Marjory
I’m literally doing a happy dance!!! So many new things to try with cheese!
Heather // girlichef
A Monte Cristo is hands-down one of my favorite sammies of all-time. This looks amazing!
Marjory
Thanks Heather! I’m craving one right now!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP)
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!
Marjory
Thanks! This is the first go round for my girls too! They loved it.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons
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 🙂
Marjory
Yay! Glad it got the seal!
Courtney @ Neighborfood
The Monte Cristo is my favorite sandwich, hands down. And I love that you can eat it for any meal of the day!
Marjory
Thanks Courtney! It’s a favorite of mine too!
Melanie | Melanie Makes
Love that this sandwich is perfect no matter what time of day – winner!
Marjory
Thanks Melanie…I can honestly say I’ve had it for every meal…but, no all on the same day!
Shaina
Love the wine you chose!
Marjory
Thank you!!! Me too!!!
MealDiva
Cinnamon butter– I’m craving this right now! Fantastic recipe!!!
Marjory
Thanks! It’s a little touch that makes a big difference.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere
This combo just blew my mind. I’m not sure how I’ve never heard of a Monte Cristo before, but this looks amazing!
Marjory
Wow! I’m amazed at how many people have not tried this combo…it’s delicious!
Constance Smith (@FoodieArmyWife)
I love the healthy twist you have taken with this. Absolutely GORGEOUS!
Marjory
Thank you!!! It’s a bit healthier than frying!!
Susan
I’ve never had a monte cristo but it really is the perfect marriage of sweet and savory!
Marjory
They are delish…I hope you get to try one soon!
[email protected] Cooking on the Front Burner
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!
Marjory
Thanks Deb! So glad you got to meet Isabel. She is an inspiration…would love to have you around the #SundaySupper dinner table!
Katie
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!
Marjory
Thanks! I hope you try one soon!
eat good 4 life
I would love to have this for my kids as a snack. They would love it!