Monte Cristo Sandwich

Ingredients

• 0.75 lbsliced ham$4.89
• 0.5 lbsliced turkey$2.39
• 8 eachSwiss cheese slices$3.82
• 8 slicewhite sandwich bread$0.76
• 4 eachlarge eggs$2.10
• 0.5 cupwhole milk$0.17
• 0.5 cupvegetable oil$0.57
• 2 tbsppowdered sugar$0.03
• 0.5 cupraspberry jam$0.28
• Total for 4 servings$15.01

Most of the cost is sliced ham ($4.89) and swiss cheese slices ($3.82). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $13.65. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Assemble 4 sandwiches on a clean work surface by placing 1 slice of Swiss cheese on each of 4 slices of white sandwich bread, dividing the sliced ham and sliced turkey evenly on top, covering with another slice of Swiss cheese, and closing with the remaining bread slices. Press gently to compact.
2. In a wide shallow dish, whisk together the large eggs and whole milk until completely blended and smooth.
3. Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip 2 assembled sandwiches into the egg mixture for about 10 seconds per side so the bread absorbs the liquid without falling apart.
4. Carefully transfer the battered sandwiches to the skillet and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the turkey and ham are heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
5. Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet, dip the remaining 2 sandwiches in the egg mixture, and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, crisp, and heated to 165°F (74°C).
6. Slice each sandwich diagonally, dust the tops with powdered sugar, and serve immediately alongside the raspberry jam.