An overstuffed turkey sandwich is as much a part of the post-Thanksgiving game plan as watching football on TV, and this mouthwatering Giada Monte Cristo Sandwich just happens to be spectacularly good.

Prepared using brioche bread, sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, cranberry sauce, and eggs, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This crispy and cheesy Giada Monte Cristo Sandwich recipe is a versatile breakfast or dinner that takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can serve up to four people.

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Recipe Ingredients

• ½ cup of cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp of chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 8 slices of brioche bread
• 8 thin slices of Swiss cheese
• 6 oz of cooked turkey breast, sliced
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¾ cup of heavy cream, at room temperature
• ⅛ tsp of kosher salt
• 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp of confectioners’ sugar

How To Make Giada Monte Cristo Sandwiches

1. Prepare the Cranberry Spread: Mix the cranberry sauce with Dijon mustard and chopped rosemary leaves in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay all 8 slices of brioche bread flat. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly across each slice, going almost to the edges without leaving uncovered spots.
3. Add the Cheese and Turkey: Place one slice of Swiss cheese on each piece of bread. Evenly distribute the sliced turkey over 4 of those cheese-covered bread slices to build the base.
4. Complete the Sandwiches: Take the remaining cheese-covered bread slices and place them on top of the turkey-topped slices to form 4 complete sandwiches.
5. Prepare the Egg Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with heavy cream and kosher salt until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.
6. Heat the Skillet: Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Let the oil warm up for about one minute until it shimmers slightly.
7. Dip the Sandwiches: Working with one sandwich at a time, dip both sides into the egg batter, ensuring each side is fully coated without dripping too much excess batter.
8. Cook the First Side: Place the dipped sandwiches directly into the hot skillet. Cover with a lid and cook each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown on the first side.
9. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully remove the lid, flip each sandwich, and cook the other side for another 4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle one side of each sandwich with confectioners’ sugar. Serve them warm and enjoy the delightful balance of flavors.

Recipe Tips

• Use Different Cheese: Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère or Havarti to add a rich, creamy flavor. These cheeses melt beautifully and complement the tanginess of the cranberry spread for a unique twist.
• Add a Sweet Touch: For a slightly sweeter variation, mix a tablespoon of honey with the cranberry sauce. The added sweetness pairs well with the savory elements of the sandwich, enhancing the overall taste.
• Try a Different Bread: If brioche isn’t available, use challah or thick-cut white bread. These options offer a similar soft texture and light sweetness, making them great alternatives for Monte Cristo sandwiches.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. The earthy flavors work well with the cheese and cranberry mustard, creating a delicious vegetarian version.
• Crisp It Up in the Oven: For an extra-crispy sandwich, after cooking it in the skillet, transfer each sandwich to a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This step keeps the sandwich warm and adds extra crunch.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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• Giada Italian Egg Sandwich
• Giada Brown and Wild Rice Dressing
• Giada Hazelnut Beef with Noodles