Italian Style Monte Cristos – Monte cristo sandwiches take an Italian twist with ham, mozzarella, and a honey mustard and thyme sauce.
There is just something about the warming weather. For some reason, once June hits, it’s so hard for me to menu plan. It should be easier, because the fresh fruit and veggies that are in season, but the long days and warm weather make it harder to get into the kitchen and cook up a big meal. Plus, in the heat, I really don’t even want to be eating a big meal.
So through the summer, we turn towards a lot of easy meals. And sandwiches are right on the top of that list!! A little while back, I had the Rachael Ray Show on in the background while I was working, and I heard the magic words – “Monte Cristo” – and I immediately stopped what I was doing and I turned my attention toward the tv.
Did you all know that I love monte cristos – and pretty much any form of monte cristos? You should, because I’ve made quite a few versions, like these Monte Cristo Sandwiches, this Monte Cristo Style Croque Monsieur, Monte Cristo Waffle Sandwiches, and this Monte Cristo Sandwich Loaf.
I put this sandwich on my list right away. It doesn’t scream monte cristo to me, but it definitely gives a wink and a nod to that delicious sandwich. The original sandwich was made with prosciutto, but I know my kids wouldn’t eat them if I used prosciutto. So I substituted deli sliced ham, which we really loved. And I really loved the melty mozzarella.
This was totally my idea of a great, summertime dinner!
Looking for more free recipes?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.
Italian-Style Monte Cristos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Monte cristo sandwiches take an Italian twist with ham, mozzarella, and a honey mustard and thyme sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or cream
- salt and pepper
- freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 8 slices good quality white bread
- 1/2 pound deli ham
- 2/3 – 3/4 pound fresh mozzarella cheese
- butter
Instructions
- In a shallow pan, beat the eggs with the half-and-half, salt and pepper and nutmeg. Beat in the parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, Dijon, thyme, and lemon juice; mix well.
- Spread the honey mustard on one side of the bread slices. Build the sandwiches with the ham and mozzarella cheese.
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter. When the butter is melted, dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture, turn to coat. Place on the griddle and cook until the sandwiches have browned and the cheese has melted. (You may need to cover the pan with foil so that the cheese will melt without the sandwich getting too brown.) Cut the sandwiches corner to corner and serve.
- ——————-
- adapted from The Rachael Ray Show
Rich S says
I tried this last night. It was *fantastic*. The sweetness of the honey mustard with thyme was a perfect balance to the savoury ham and mozzarella.
I do have a few suggestions:
– Specify an amount for the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. You’re a far more experienced cook than I am so it might be obvious how much there should be (even to taste), but I think the junior cooks will find it useful.
– I had turned the sandwiches to make sure even though the recipe didn’t specify it. I think this is something that might also be obvious, but again for us inexperienced cooks… 🙂
fritzi schnitzer says
For some reason, I once June hits, it’s so ….. What is “I once”?
Deborah says
It was just a typo. It has been fixed.
Chels R. says
This looks so good! That melted cheese is driving me crazy 🙂
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
I’m right with you! With the heat I hate turning on the oven and heating up the house even more (we reached 100 today with a ‘feels like temp’ of 110). And because it is so hot outside grilling is no fun either! We will be doing a lot of sandwiches and salads over the summer, and what cooking I do attempt will be a lot of crock-pot meals and using the indoor grill top.
Joanne says
One of the few foods that i occasionally miss as a vegetarian is a monte cristo. It’s really that sweet/salty combo that I crave. Love the sound of this!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Gorgeous sandwich! I love it with the ham and prosciutto so I’ll probably make this twice!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Deborah , this sandwich looks to die for! My boyfriend would probably die and go to h eaten if I made this for us one night!
Cookin' Canuck says
Okay, I really want this for breakfast. These look irresistible!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These look so golden and delicious! I know I’d love them with proscuitto.
Blog is the New Black says
Looks like a hyped up grilled cheese! YUM!