A Monte Cristo is a fried ham and cheese sandwich. The cheese used is Emmental or Gruyère.[1][2][3][4]
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The sandwich can differ regionally.[2][5] Regional variations may include sliced turkey along with the ham and cheese. Traditionally, the sandwich is dipped in its entirety in egg batter and fried. In some regions of the United States it is served grilled, and in some regions it is served as an open sandwich with only the bread battered. It can also be served as an open sandwich using french toast as a base, with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese piled and then heated slightly under a broiler.[2]
The sandwich is sometimes served with fresh fruit or with clotted cream or sour cream on the side, less often with fruit preserves, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or sweet or spicy mustard sauce instead. Monte Cristos may, more recently and infrequently, be served with a dusting of powdered sugar. In most regions, the sandwich is savory rather than sweet. It can be served with Thousand Island dressing; this particular variation is often referred to as "Cumberland Head style."
The Monte Cristo is a variation of the French croque-monsieur. In the 1930s–1960s, American cookbooks had recipes for this sandwich under such names as French Sandwich, Toasted Ham Sandwich, and French Toasted Cheese Sandwich.[2]