The Legendary Monte Cristo Sandwich: A Disneyland Classic
A Brief History
The Monte Cristo sandwich has been a beloved favorite at Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant since the 1950s. This indulgent treat has been adapted in various ways, including deep-frying, but we’ll focus on a simpler pan-frying method that yields equally delicious results.
The Essential Ingredients
To create this sweet and savory masterpiece, you’ll need:
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices of white sandwich bread
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 ounces thinly sliced ham
- 3 ounces thinly sliced roasted turkey breast
- 3 ounces thinly sliced Emmentaler cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Red currant jelly for serving
Assembling the Sandwich
Begin by whisking together the egg and milk in a shallow plate, seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside. Next, place two slices of bread on a work surface and spread 1 teaspoon of mustard on each. Divide the ham and turkey between the mustard-coated bread slices, followed by half of the cheese. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, pressing gently to compact.
Pan-Frying to Perfection
Melt the butter in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat until foaming. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, coating both sides, then place in the frying pan. Fry undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip and fry for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
The Finishing Touches
Transfer the sandwiches to serving plates, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with a side of red currant jelly. This sweet and tangy condiment perfectly balances the richness of the French toast and filling. Enjoy your delicious Monte Cristo sandwich!
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