Monte Cristo Sandwich | SCD, Gluten-Free

A Monte Cristo sandwich is a fried ham and cheese sandwich, a variation of the French croque-monsieur. The Monte Cristo is sometimes covered in powdered sugar and served with maple syrup or preserves. Growing up, this was one of my favorite dishes my dad would make and I would literally jump up and down with excitement when he announced he was making Monte Cristo sandwiches for dinner, just as I did when he made crepes for breakfast. While I still have yet to master the SCD crepe (thankfully my dad has!) my kids do love this healthy, SCD version of the Monte Cristo sandwich.


These would make a great brunch or lunch item, but can easily be paired with a butter lettuce salad or arugula salad tossed with fresh berries, sliced almonds and a homemade vinaigrette. Another tasty meal prepared from start to finish in under thirty minutes!

Monte Cristo Sandwich
SCD, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Refined Sugar-Free

Ingredients
4 large eggs
1/4 cup almond milk or coconut milk
1/4 teaspoon salt, I like pink Himalayan salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
8 slices bread, I used Liberated Cashew Crème Bread
1/4 cup mayonnaise, I use this brand
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 pound sliced turkey*
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Freeze dried strawberries, for serving (optional)
1/4 cup strawberry preserves

Directions
1. Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and cinnamon in a large glass bowl; set aside.
2. Build the sandwiches. Lay 4 pieces of bread down and top with 1 slice of cheese on each piece of bread. Place 1/4 of the turkey on top of each piece of cheese. Spread the mayonnaise on the remaining 4 pieces of bread and press on top of each sandwich, mayo-side down.
3. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, making sure to coat each side.
4. Melt the butter in a medium size skillet over medium heat, cook sandwiches two at a time, until lightly browed.
5. To serve, place the freeze dried strawberries in a sifter and sprinkle over the sandwiches, serve with a side of strawberry preserves.

*You can easily bake or roast your own turkey and then slice thinly. To make this dish a time-saver we use store bought SCD compliant sliced turkey. Trader Joes carries some and Plainville Organic Honey Roasted Turkey is also a good option.