Description
Loaded with ham, brie, and strawberry preserves, this breakfast sandwich combines the classic Monte Cristo with French toast, making it the ultimate indulgent brunch dish.
Ingredients
Cooking spray or canola oil (as needed)
8 slices challah bread (3/4-inch thick)
8–10 ounces (225-280 g) Black Forest ham, sliced 1/4-inch thick (or deli-style)
1/2 wheel brie cheese, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
13-ounce (370 g) jar strawberry preserves (I prefer Bonne Maman)
1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
Fresh strawberries (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lay out 4 slices of challah bread.
- Evenly distribute the thinly sliced brie cheese on top.
- Layer the ham over the cheese, then place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
2. Prepare the French Toast Mixture
- In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together milk, eggs, and maple syrup until fully combined.
3. Dip the Sandwiches
- Lightly grease a nonstick skillet, cast-iron skillet, or griddle with cooking spray or oil and heat over medium heat.
- Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated but not overly saturated. Let excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook the French Toast
- Place each dipped sandwich onto the preheated skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the brie has melted.
- Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
5. Add the Preserves and Serve
- Remove from heat and spread 1–2 tablespoons of strawberry preserves on the top slice of each sandwich.
- Dust with powdered sugar (if using) and serve with fresh strawberries.
- Enjoy warm!
Notes
Avoid soggy bread: Spread the strawberry preserves after cooking instead of before, as cooking them in the sandwich can cause the bread to become overly soft.
Cheese melts best when sliced thin: Brie can be difficult to melt if sliced too thick, so aim for thin, even layers.
Use sturdy bread: While challah is traditional, you can substitute with brioche or another thick-cut, soft bread for a similar effect.
Balance the sweetness: The maple syrup in the egg mixture complements the savory ham, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a less sweet version.
Milk options: Skim, whole, or even non-dairy alternatives work fine.
Bread options: Brioche, sourdough, or any thick-cut bread can be used in place of challah.
Serving size: Can vary depending on bread thickness; the listed size is approximate.
Make ahead: You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 6 hours before dipping and cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: French American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
- Calories: 695
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 1045mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 218mg