You know what’s super delicious? Sandwiches, especially the toasted or grilled kind. Melty, ooey-gooey cheese of any variety. Sweet and salty food mash-ups. French toast. Brunch, in general.
I could go on and on naming delicious things, but the one’s I’ve mentioned so far have something very important in common….. Monte Cristo sandwiches! If you haven’t had a Monte Cristo, it’s traditionally made with white bread, Gruyere, ham and Dijon mustard, cooked French toast-style and served with a side of preserves and powdered sugar.
It’s sweet and salty HEAVEN, you guys.
This recipe is just a bit different in that it’s made with whole grain cinnamon raisin bread, slices of muenster and fruit preserves stuffed inside the sandwich AND used for dipping. It’s a Monte Cristo, Julie style. These sandwiches are definitely something you can serve on Mother’s Day, because we all know moms love brunch, cheese, sweet and salty mash-ups, French toast and sandwiches.
If that’s not true, I don’t know if I can be friends with your mom.
Just kidding, but did I mention that the entire sandwich is dipped in a clove and nutmeg-infused batter and cooked French toast-style? And topped with powdered sugar and dipped in fruit preserves? Did you hear that? I really hope you’re as excited about this as I am.
Also, these aren’t just any fruit preserves. Look for ones made with simple and wholesome ingredients — you know that’s my jam. No pun intended.
For more recipe ideas, check out these fun toasts.
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Apricot Monte Cristo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Monte Cristo sandwich takes things to a whole new level with cinnamon raisin bread, muenster cheese and apricot preserves.
Ingredients
- 8 slices whole grain raisin bread
- 16 slices black forest ham
- 4 slices muenster cheese
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves + more for serving
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- Pinch ground cloves
- Pinch coarse salt
- 3-4 Tbsp. salted butter
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Layer 4 slices of bread with honey ham, muenster and apricot preserves. Place remaining bread slices on top.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together milk, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and salt until combined.
- Heat one tablespoon butter in a nonstick skillet to medium heat. Dip one assembled sandwich in milk/egg mixture, then place in the hot skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, until bread is golden brown and cheese is completely melted. Repeat this process with remaining butter and sandwiches.
- Slice each sandwich into 4 squares and serve with extra apricot preserves and powdered sugar (optional).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread instead of cinnamon raisin for the Monte Cristo?
While cinnamon raisin bread adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with whole grain bread or a brioche for a similar texture, but the sweet and spicy notes will change.
What can I use instead of muenster cheese in this recipe?
If you don’t have muenster cheese, you can use Monterey Jack or gouda for a comparable meltiness and mild flavor.
How do I ensure the batter sticks well to the sandwich before cooking?
Make sure to fully dip the assembled sandwich in the clove and nutmeg-infused batter, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side for better adhesion.
