Blue Bayou Monte Cristo

From D23’s archives, the original recipe of the Monte Cristo sandwich is now ours to make at home!

I had a blast filming my first video for Food Rocks and I wanted to make sure I do something bold, brassy, and a little oily. So I looked into the most decadent sandwich known to Disney lore - the monte cristo! D23 had posted this recipe and wanted to try it out for myself - with a caveeat of seeing if I could make an air-fried version. Would it still be as rich and delicious?

The answer was a resounding… Sure! I had to forego the coated batter feeling for a different texture - crunch! By coating the sandwich with panko, it made it air-fryer friendly, and used a heckuva lot less oil than traditionally.

I’d say make both - the kids (in my case, the husband) will love the deep fried. Those more conscious of their grease intake will love the crunchy sandwich instead! Enjoy - and don’t forget to always have fun in the kitchen!

Yours, RJ.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Serves 4 (or two hungry bois like us)

For the Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, sifted

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1 tbsp. baking power

• 1 1/13 cups water

• 1 egg

For the Sandwich:

• 4 slices brioche loaf (or any other sweet loaf)

• 4 slices turkey

• 4 slices ham

• 4 slices Swiss cheese

For the Deep Fry:

• 3-4 cups oil heated at 375 degrees farenheit

For the Air Fry:

• 1-2 cups panko breading (enough to cover sandwich)

Accoutrements:

• Powdered sugar, sifted on top of sandwich

• Grape jelly (or get fancy and get blackberry preserve)

1. Heat oil for deep-fry to 375 degrees Farenheit

2. Prepare 2 sandwich by laying 4 slices of bread flat on board

3. Assemble sandwich by laying slice of turkey, ham, and Swiss on top of two slices

4. Top layered slice with empty slice, making two separate sandwiches

5. For the air-fried sandwich, dip one sandwich into the batter, coating all sides, and then toss into dish or bowl with panko breadcrumbs, coating all sides

6. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and then place sandwich inside. Make sure to spray the top of the sandwich as well.

7. Place inside air fryer on 400 degrees Farenheit for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through

8. For the deep-fried sandwich, dip the entire sandwich into the batter and then carefully dip the sandwich into the oil, use a spider or tongs to avoid sticking hand in the oil (it happens…)

9. Fry about 2-3 minutes per side, flip once both sides are golden brown

10. Pull out of oil and let rest on an oven rack and sheet, letting excess oil drip

11. Slice sandwiches in half, assemble on plate, sift powdered sugar on top and serve with jelly