This Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe hails straight from the happiest place on Earth! Found at Cafe Orleans and the Blue Bayou, a Disneyland Monte Cristo is the perfect balance of savory and sweet and is fried to crispy perfection. Don’t forget a side of jam!
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe
A delectable smash-up of a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and French toast, the Monte Cristo sandwich gained popularity thanks to Disney which has had this dish on its menu for over 50 years.
When they finally released their official Monte Cristo recipe so that people could make it at home, I had to try it — and boy, is it a winner!
The Monte Cristo at Disneyland is believed to be a twist on the French croque monsieur, which is a savory grilled sandwich.
The addition of a crispy batter coating and powdered sugar really puts it over the top!
Recipe Video
To see us make this Monte Cristo sandwich recipe from start to finish, watch the video in this post!
I also have versions of this Monte Cristo recipe featuring bacon instead of ham or in gooey, stuffed bread form — and there’s no frying necessary.
Craving more famous sandwiches? Try my copycat version of Maid Rite’s Loose Meat Sandwich or a Chick fil A Crispy Chicken Sandwich next!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Meat – You’ll need deli-sliced ham and turkey for this Monte Cristo sandwich recipe.
With so many options available, feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo!
- Cheese – Swiss is the best choice, but Gruyere or Jarlsberg would be just as tasty.
- Batter – A simple blend of flour, salt, egg, and water, plus baking powder to give the crispy layer some lift when fried.
- Canola Oil – Use any neutral cooking oil that’s good for frying. Vegetable, avocado, and even peanut oil are great choices as well.
- Powdered Sugar – It’s not a true Monte Cristo Disneyland copycat without a dusting of this! That said, you’re free to leave it off if you find it too sweet.
- Fruit Jam – The original version comes with blackberry preserves for dipping, but raspberry jam or red currant jam are popular alternatives.
Best Bread for Copycat Disneyland Monte Cristo
Disney traditionally uses white bread for their version of this Monte Cristo recipe.
A few visits ago, I talked to the chef and was told that they use sliced Hawaiian bread — it really makes a world of difference, in my opinion.
If you cannot find this, look for a thick-sliced style of sandwich bread rather than the thin kind.
You want something that is thick enough to stand up to deep frying. Even challah-style bread will work well.
Monte Cristo Recipe Tips and Variations
- Don’t forget the toothpicks!
These will hold each sandwich triangle together while they are being fried. You can remove them once cooled.
- Cook in batches.
Too many in the pot, and you’ll lower the temperature of the oil too much. This will cause your Disneyland Monte Cristo to soak up the oil instead of getting crispy.
Also, be sure to bring the oil back up to temperature before you start the next batch.
- Drain before dusting.
Allow each sandwich to cool on paper towels, or even better, a wire rack! You want as much of the extra oil gone before adding the powdered sugar.
- Add some mustard.
While not in the original Monte Cristo sandwich Disneyland recipe, other versions recommend smearing just a bit of Dijon mustard onto the bread before adding the meat and cheese.
It’s a simple addition that helps to balance the overall sweetness of the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re wondering what you should serve with this Monte Cristo sandwich recipe besides the jam or preserves, you have several options.
The Monte Cristo at Disneyland comes with a side of fresh strawberries and grapes.
We also like to order some pomme frites, and I’ll let you in on a little secret — they’re just French fries!
Potato chips would be just as tasty if you’re craving a lighter lunch, or why not add a bowl of fruit salad?
Monte Cristo Sandwich Disneyland FAQ
What’s the difference between a Monte Cristo and a croque monsieur?
Both sandwiches have similar ingredients, with the difference mainly being in preparation.
A croque monsieur is essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, made with Gruyere both inside and grated on top. It can be baked in an oven or pan-fried, while some versions include a dip in beaten egg for extra browning.
The Monte Cristo features both ham and turkey, with Swiss instead of Gruyere. It’s also dipped in an egg and flour batter. The traditional version is deep fried, while the Monte Cristo Sandwich at Disneyland is simply fried on both sides.
As a finishing touch, each sandwich is dusted with powdered sugar and served with a sweet fruit jam for dipping.
Why is the sandwich called a Monte Cristo?
No one knows for sure how it got its name, but it’s believed to be a nod to the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.
Storage and Reheating
These crispy sandwiches are best served warm, so the cheese is all melty when you bite into it.
If you happen to have leftovers from this Monte Cristo sandwich recipe, wrap them in aluminum foil and refrigerate for 2 days.
To reheat, remove from foil and warm in the air fryer so it gets nice and crispy again. Or, place on a wire rack set in a baking sheet and reheat in the oven.
More Disney Copycat Recipes
Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe (Disneyland Official) + Video
Donna Elick
This Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe lets you enjoy your favorite crispy ham and cheese sandwich right at home. Serve some up in 15 minutes!
5 stars from 3 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1 egg
- 1 ounce sliced white meat of turkey
- 1 ounce sliced Swiss cheese
- 1 ounce sliced ham
- 2 slices white bread
- powdered sugar, garnish
- raspberry jelly, garnish
Instructions
Sift flour, salt and baking powder together.
Add water to beaten egg and add to flour mixture and mix well. Set aside.
Make sandwich using first turkey, then Swiss cheese, and then ham. Cut sandwich into quarters using toothpicks to hold sandwich together.
Dip sandwich in egg batter and fry in 360°F oil until golden brown.
Remove toothpicks and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Serve with raspberry jelly.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 136cal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 363mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 2mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published May 2020, updated and republished August 2023
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