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National Monte Cristo Day

Food · September 17

A day for the Monte Cristo, the ham and cheese sandwich that gets dipped in egg batter and fried until golden, often served with jam.

National Monte Cristo Day falls on Friday, September 17, 2027. That is 325 days away.

The Monte Cristo is a ham and cheese sandwich that has been dipped in egg and cooked in a pan, a bit like French toast. Some kitchens add turkey. Some fry it deep in oil, and some just brown it in butter.

The result is crisp outside and soft inside, with cheese that pulls in strings when you cut it. Swiss is a common choice because it melts smoothly. Many restaurants dust the top with powdered sugar and set a small dish of jam beside it, usually raspberry or strawberry. Sweet and salty on one plate can sound like a mistake until the first bite.

Marking the day mostly means eating one, at a diner, a cafe, or your own stove. At home, a thick sliced bread holds up best, since thin bread tends to go soggy in the batter. Medium heat gives the cheese time to melt before the outside gets too dark.

It is a knife and fork sandwich for most people. Picking it up whole is allowed, though the jam makes that a two napkin decision.

Ways to celebrate

• Try making a Monte Cristo at home with ham, Swiss cheese and egg batter.
• Look for a local diner or cafe that serves one.
• Share a plate with a friend and compare jam choices.
• Try a version with turkey added alongside the ham.
• Dust yours with powdered sugar and taste the sweet and salty mix.

Dates

Categories: Food days