Experience a delectable twist on a classic with the Crispy Honey Wheat Monte Cristo Sandwich, featuring layers of ham, turkey, and cheese nestled between slices of sweet honey wheat bread, dipped in a rich batter and fried to perfection. This dish pairs delightfully with raspberry preserves for a contrast of flavors.
Ingredients & Variations
- Bread: Honey wheat bread is ideal for this recipe, providing a touch of sweetness.
- Meat: Thick slices of deli turkey and ham offer a robust flavor, though chicken or other meats could also work well.
- Cheese: A combination of Swiss and cheddar cheeses melts beautifully and adds depth.
- Batter: A homemade batter is suggested, but for a quicker alternative, pancake mix can be used, affecting the sweetness and texture.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: A light dusting enhances the sandwich’s sweet profile.
- Dipping Sauce: Traditional raspberry preserves complement the sweet and savory elements, but honey mustard is also a great choice.
Preparation Insights
Preparing the sandwich involves chilling it to maintain integrity during frying. Start by layering turkey and Swiss cheese on a slice of bread, add another slice, then ham and cheddar, and top with the third slice of bread. After assembling, chill the sandwiches for optimal results.
Cooking Method
- Chill: Wrap and refrigerate the assembled sandwiches to firm them up, making them easier to handle during frying.
- Batter: Mix flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then whisk in water and eggs until smooth.
- Fry: Deep fry the batter-dipped sandwiches until golden, ensuring the oil is not too hot to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried sandwiches dusted with confectioners’ sugar and accompanied by raspberry preserves for dipping. This dish pairs well with a light salad or fresh fruit to balance the richness.
Recipe Ingredients
Sandwich Components:
- 9 slices of honey wheat bread
- 9 slices of roasted turkey (preferably thick-cut)
- 9 slices of honey ham (preferably thick-cut)
- 3 slices of mild cheddar cheese
- 3 slices of Swiss cheese
Batter Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ⅔ cups (635 ml) water
- 2 large eggs
- Oil for frying, such as vegetable or canola
- ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Dipping Sauces:
- Raspberry preserves
- Honey mustard (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer turkey, Swiss cheese, bread, ham, cheddar, and another slice of bread. Cut diagonally and wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix water and eggs. Combine both mixtures until smooth.
- Fry the Sandwiches: Heat oil to 325°F-350°F (163°C-177°C). Unwrap and dip each sandwich half in batter, ensuring coverage. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes, turning as needed.
- Serve: Drain sandwiches on paper towels, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, and serve with raspberry preserves and optional honey mustard.
This Crispy Honey Wheat Monte Cristo Sandwich brings a delightful crunch and melty goodness to your plate, perfect for a luxurious brunch or a comforting dinner.
