If you love a sandwich that combines crispy bread, melted cheese, smoky bacon, and plenty of flavor, National Monte Cristo Day is the perfect excuse to indulge!
Celebrated on September 17, National Monte Cristo Day shines a spotlight on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich. Traditionally made with ham, turkey, and cheese between slices of bread that are dipped in an egg mixture and cooked until golden brown, the Monte Cristo is a delicious cross between French toast and a grilled cheese sandwich.
For this celebration, we’re putting a slightly different spin on the classic by using chicken, bacon, and Swiss cheese. Serve it savory with relish or Thousand Island dressing—or satisfy your sweet tooth with maple syrup or jam!
Chicken & Bacon Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, these sandwiches are a great way to turn leftover or rotisserie chicken into something completely different.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 4 slices leftover or rotisserie chicken
- 8 slices bacon, cooked
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon Oscar relish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon butter, margarine, or oil for cooking
Optional for serving:
- Thousand Island dressing
- Maple syrup
- Jam
Instructions
1. Heat the pan.
Heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Coat with nonstick cooking spray and add a tablespoon of butter, margarine, or oil.
2. Prepare the bread.
Whisk the eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
3. Start cooking.
Place the coated bread in the hot pan or on the griddle, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook until the first side is golden brown, then flip.
4. Build your sandwiches.
While the bread is still in the pan, begin assembling the sandwiches. Add the Swiss cheese first, followed by the chicken and bacon. Top each sandwich with another piece of bread, placing the already-browned side toward the filling.
5. Get everything golden and melty.
Once the bottom of each sandwich is nicely browned, carefully flip the entire sandwich to cook the remaining side. Cover the pan briefly to help the Swiss cheese melt.
6. Pick your favorite finish!
Serve warm with Oscar relish or Thousand Island dressing for a savory sandwich. Prefer the sweet-and-savory combination Monte Cristos are known for? Try yours with maple syrup or your favorite jam.
Tips for the Perfect Monte Cristo
For easier flipping, use a large spatula and work quickly once your sandwiches are assembled.
If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, make sure it is well drained before adding it to the sandwich. Excess moisture can make the bread soggy instead of crisp.
Have leftovers? Reheat your sandwich in a skillet or toaster oven rather than the microwave. This will help bring back that crispy exterior while warming the filling and melting the cheese.
Sweet or Savory—Which Side Are You On?
Part of the fun of a Monte Cristo is deciding how to serve it. Some people love the contrast of a savory sandwich dipped into something sweet, while others prefer to keep things completely savory.
For a full meal, pair your Monte Cristo with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, crispy potatoes, or even a cup of tomato soup.
And if you’re serving these for brunch, set out several dipping options and let everyone decide for themselves!
Celebrate National Monte Cristo Day at Home
Sometimes you don’t need an elaborate meal to make an ordinary day feel special. A warm sandwich, a favorite side, and a few minutes gathered around the kitchen table can be all it takes.
So, in honor of National Monte Cristo Day, grab that leftover chicken, fry up some bacon, and give this delicious twist on a classic sandwich a try.
Happy National Monte Cristo Day!
Thank you to Honest Cooking for this yummy recipe!