How to Make Chef John's Monte Cristo Benedict - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's Monte Cristo Benedict is a delicious and unique twist on the classic breakfast dish. This recipe combines the flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich with the indulgence of Eggs Benedict, resulting in a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that is perfect for a special brunch or breakfast.

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a beloved classic that is typically made with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between two slices of French toast and then dusted with powdered sugar. It's ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 4 thick slices day-old French bread
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 8 thin slices cooked ham
  • 4 slices Cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices Havarti cheese
  • 8 poached eggs
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives, or to taste
  • 1 pinch kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Whisk 2 eggs, cream, white sugar, salt, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and allspice together in a bowl until batter is thoroughly combined.
  • Lay bread slices into batter, one at a time, and let bread absorb the mixture. Turn bread slices in batter until almost all batter has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and melt butter in the hot skillet. Cook bread slices in the hot butter until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer French toast slices to a baking sheet.
  • Lay ham slices into the hot skillet and cook until meat begins to brown, about 1 minute per side.
  • To assemble, place a Cheddar cheese slice on a slice of French toast, top with 2 slices of ham, and lay a Havarti cheese slice over ham.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until French toast pieces are no longer wet, the batter is set, and cheese has melted and begun to brown, about 20 minutes.
  • Place sandwiches on serving plates and top each with 2 poached eggs. Season with kosher salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Nutrition

    651 cal.

    • Total Fat: 44g
    • Saturated Fat: 23g
    • Cholesterol: 572mg
    • Sodium: 1475mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 26g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 38g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 458mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 347mg