Monte Cristo sandwich facts for kids
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| Type | Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Bread, ham, cheese (Emmental or Gruyère), egg batter |
The Monte Cristo sandwich is a special kind of sandwich that's popular in the United States. It's made with bread, ham, and cheese. What makes it unique is that the whole sandwich is dipped in egg batter and then cooked. It can be pan-fried or even deep-fried until it's golden and crispy.
This delicious sandwich is a bit like the French croque monsieur, which is another grilled ham and cheese sandwich. In the past, from the 1930s to the 1960s, American cookbooks called it by different names. Some people knew it as a "French sandwich," a "toasted ham sandwich," or even a "French toasted cheese sandwich."
Contents
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
Most of the time, the Monte Cristo sandwich is a savory (not sweet) dish. It's usually dipped completely in a special egg batter. Then, it's cooked in a pan with a little oil until it's golden brown. Sometimes, it's even deep-fried, which makes it extra crispy!
Different Ways to Make It
There are a few ways people enjoy this sandwich. Some versions might include slices of turkey along with the ham and cheese. In certain parts of the U.S., it's served grilled, like a regular grilled cheese. Other times, it might be an "open sandwich," where only the bread is dipped in batter and then heated under a grill.
Sweet or Savory?
Even though it's usually savory, some restaurants serve the Monte Cristo with a sweet twist. They might sprinkle powdered sugar on top. It's also often served with maple syrup or fruit preserves on the side. This mix of sweet and savory flavors makes it a really interesting meal!
History of the Monte Cristo
The Monte Cristo sandwich became very popular in the 1960s. It really took off in Southern California. A big reason for its fame was the Blue Bayou Restaurant at Disneyland. When this restaurant started serving the Monte Cristo, it became a huge hit with visitors.
Images for kids
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A famous deep-fried classic Monte Cristo from the Blue Bayou at Disneyland
See also
In Spanish: Monte Cristo sándwich para niños
