Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese with raspberry jam is the ultimate sandwich. This healthy version is ready in minutes and perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Prepare to be wowed because it can be low-carb too!
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 the Bennigan's or Disney World 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. Use keto chaffles or thin-sliced bread and sugar-free jam and it becomes keto-friendly!
Let that sink in!
Key Ingredients
Here's what you'll need 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 ingredient 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 a popular pairing.
Directions
I've got a system down that minimizes the mess and comes out perfectly crisped as a result of making way to 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.
- 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 or melted butter.
- 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.
- Spread jam on the side that is now on top. Layer ham and cheese on top of the jam.
- 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 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.
- 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, crusted, but not burnt. Take a little peak of the bottom after about 1 and 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.
What to serve with Monte Cristo Sandwiches
What you serve with this decadent grilled cheese sandwich may depend upon when you're enjoying it. It really is perfect at any meal. Here are some ideas:
- Salad with Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing.
- Fruit!
- Sweet potato chips or another healthy alternative to chips.
Please rate this recipe with and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!
Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter softened
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 slices thin-sliced whole wheat bread use keto bread or chaffles for no carbs
- 12 ounces ham we used deli ham; can also use a turkey/ham combination
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 Tablespoon sugar-free raspberry jam 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.
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!
Elli2
I thought I would miss the deep fried version, but I didn’t. It was perfect and will be my new comfort dish when I’m on a splurge. I still use the bread! But at least there’s no batter. Thanks for the recipe. Will be making again.
Marjory Pilley
Your welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the skinnier version!