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Ingredients for the Bennigans Monte Cristo Recipe including ham, turkey, cheese, and raspberry jam.

The Ultimate Bennigans Monte Cristo Recipe

Recreate the authentic Bennigans Monte Cristo Recipe at home. This hearty, deep-fried sandwich features layers of ham, turkey, and gooey melted cheese, encased in a crispy golden-brown batter and dusted with powdered sugar.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 slices Sturdy white bread Or brioche, cut thick.
  • 4 oz Sliced deli ham (113g)
  • 4 oz Sliced deli turkey (113g)
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese (2 oz or 56g)
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder (14g)
  • 0.25 tsp Salt (1.5g)
  • 1 large Egg Room temperature.
  • 1 cup Whole milk (240ml)
  • 4 cups Vegetable oil (960ml) for frying.
  • 1 tbsp Powdered sugar (8g) for dusting.
  • 0.25 cup Raspberry jam (80g) for dipping.

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven or deep fryer Essential for maintaining even oil temperature.
  • 1 Deep-Fry Thermometer Crucial for keeping oil at 365°F (185°C).

Method
 

Assembly & Frying
  1. Lay out 3 slices of bread. Place 1 slice of Swiss cheese and the ham on the bottom slice. Add the middle bread slice, then layer the turkey and second slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the final bread slice and secure with toothpicks.
  2. Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to exactly 365°F (185°C). Carefully submerge the secured sandwich into the batter to coat all sides, letting excess drip off.
  4. Lower the battered sandwich into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the cheese is melted.
  5. Remove to a wire rack, pull out the toothpicks, and cut in half. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve warm with raspberry jam.

Notes

Tip 1: Always check your oil temperature with a thermometer to prevent a greasy sandwich.
Tip 2: Do not let the sandwich soak in the batter; dip it quickly to retain structural integrity.