Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe (Disneyland Official) + Video

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!

When it comes to Monte Cristo sandwiches, this is such a great recipe! It’s like a grilled cheese meets French toast, perfectly fried golden brown.

The entire sandwich creates a savory combo that even a picky palate will love. I think of this as a triple-decker sandwich because of the steps and layers of this dish. 

I’ve even a lot of these in my days, and this makes the best Monte Cristo recipe out there.

I have no issue eating the whole sandwich, and I’ll happily make a run to the grocery store to stock up on the ingredients.

This is such a classic sandwich that you can pan fry in a jiffy. I also put it on a paper towel once I’m done to soak up some of the excess grease and to help the texture of the fried sandwich stay crispy.

You’ll love this original recipe loaded with deli meat and cheese. The salty ham and cheese combination is literally out of this world delicious! 

Give this copycat Disneyland Monte Cristo sandwich a try today – it’s the perfect Monte Cristo recipe!  

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!

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

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. 

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally published May 2020, updated and republished September 2024

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