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Monte Cristo Sandwiches

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This Monte Cristo sandwich is a sophisticated take on the classic French croque monsieur, offering a satisfying balance of sweet and savoury flavours. As a high-protein brunch or lunch option, it layers smoked turkey, ham, and aged white cheddar between slices of rich egg bread. The inclusion of peppery mustard greens and wholegrain Dijon mustard adds a sharp, contemporary lift to the traditional recipe, ensuring every bite is deeply flavoured.

Perfect for a weekend treat or a restorative midweek meal, these sandwiches are dipped in a mustard-flecked egg wash and fried in butter until beautifully crisp. The gentle steam created by covering the frying pan ensures the cheddar melts perfectly while the bread achieves a uniform golden hue. Serve these warm with a side of seasonal salad or fresh fruit for a truly substantial homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Monte Cristo Sandwiches

  • 4 (1/3-inch-thick) slices egg bread

  • 40ml whole grain Dijon mustard, divided

  • 4 thin slices aged white cheddar cheese (cut to size of bread), divided

  • 4 thin slices smoked turkey

  • 4 thin slices smoked ham

  • 4 leaves mustard greens (trimmed to size of bread)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 45ml butter

How to make Monte Cristo Sandwiches

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Place 2 bread slices on work surface. Spread each with 1 tablespoon mustard. Top each with 1 cheese slice, 2 turkey slices, 2 ham slices, 2 leaves mustard greens, another cheese slice, and bread.

Beat eggs and remaining 1/2 tablespoons mustard in pie dish to blend. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-low heat. Dip both sides of sandwiches into egg mixture. Place in skillet. Cover and cook until bottoms are golden, about 5 minutes. Turn sandwiches over. Cover; cook until golden and cheese is melted, about 4 minutes longer. Transfer sandwiches to plates; cut into quarters.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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