Monte Cristo Sandwich with Raspberry Dipping Sauce Recipe
A classic Monte Cristo Sandwich featuring layers of roasted turkey, honey ham, Swiss and cheddar cheeses between honey wheat bread, dipped in a light, fluffy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a dusting of confectioners' sugar and raspberry preserves for a sweet and savory delight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 9 slices honey wheat bread
- 9 slices roasted turkey, deli meat (thick cut)
- 9 slices honey ham, deli meat (thick cut)
- 3 slices mild cheddar cheese
- 3 slices Swiss cheese
Batter
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ⅔ cups water
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying
- ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners' sugar
Dipping Sauce
- red raspberry preserves, for dipping
- honey mustard (optional), for dipping
Instructions
- Assemble Sandwiches: Layer one slice of honey wheat bread with three slices of roasted turkey and one slice of Swiss cheese. Add another slice of bread, then three slices of honey ham and one slice of mild cheddar cheese. Top with the final slice of bread. Slice the sandwich diagonally into halves, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for 3 hours to overnight to firm up.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together water and beaten eggs. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Set aside while heating oil.
- Heat Oil: Pour 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a large pot and heat over medium until the temperature reaches 325°F to 350°F.
- Dip and Fry Sandwiches: Remove plastic wrap from chilled sandwich halves. Using your hands, dip each half into the batter, coating completely. With metal tongs, carefully lower each sandwich half into hot oil. Hold or flip as needed to submerge completely. Fry until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining halves.
- Serve: Lightly sprinkle fried sandwiches with confectioners' sugar. Serve immediately with red raspberry preserves and optional honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Chilling sandwiches before frying helps them hold together and prevents the batter from becoming soggy.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F for best results.
- Thick-cut deli meats enhance the sandwich texture and prevent it from drying out during frying.
- Confectioners' sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sandwich.
- Adjust dipping sauces to your preference; raspberry preserves provide a classic sweet contrast while honey mustard adds tanginess.
- Be careful when handling hot oil and use long tongs to avoid burns.
