Monte Cristo Ham and Cheese

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 8 slices white sandwich bread

→ Filling

02 - 8 slices deli ham

03 - 8 slices Swiss cheese

04 - 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

→ Egg Batter

05 - 3 large eggs

06 - 1/2 cup whole milk

07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For Frying

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

12 - Raspberry preserves or jam for serving

# Directions:

01 - Lay out bread slices and spread Dijon mustard on 4 slices. Layer 2 slices ham and 2 slices Swiss cheese on each mustard-covered slice. Top with remaining bread to form 4 sandwiches.

02 - Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl until completely smooth and well combined.

03 - Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium heat until butter foams slightly.

04 - Dip each sandwich into egg batter, turning to coat both sides thoroughly and allowing excess to drip off.

05 - Place sandwiches in skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula, until golden brown and cheese melts completely.

06 - Remove from skillet and let rest 1 minute. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with raspberry preserves on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

Its the perfect marriage of savory and sweet that somehow works beautifully
Crispy golden exterior gives way to gooey melted cheese inside
Comes together in 20 minutes but tastes like something special

02 -

Dont let the sandwiches soak in the egg batter or they'll become mushy instead of crispy
Medium heat is crucial, too high will burn the exterior before the cheese melts
The minute of resting time helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn't ooze out when you cut

03 -

Use a cast iron skillet for the most even browning and best crispy exterior
Set up your station with batter near the stove so you can dip and cook immediately

Monte Cristo Ham and Cheese (Printable)