Ham Apple Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese

This Ham Apple Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese is a delicious mashup of two classic sandwiches. It brings cozy fall flavors with layers of smoky ham, tart apple, and gooey cheese on egg-dipped, grilled bread. Served with maple syrup for dipping, it offers the perfect sweet-and-savory bite.

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Sometimes, a simple sandwich is all it takes to hit the spot. With autumn approaching, this ham and apple grilled cheese is an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s a delicious, fall-inspired fusion that turns a classic grilled cheese into a Monte Cristo sandwich by combining savory ham and crisp apple with creamy, melted cheese. The bread is dipped in beaten egg and grilled to golden perfection. The best part? It’s served with maple syrup for dipping, creating a mouthful of comfort in every bite.

Ingredients needed:

• Deli ham—opt for honey or brown sugar ham to double down on that delicious sweet-and-salty flavor profile.
• Cheese—choose shredded cheddar or your favorite high-melt cheese to perfectly bind the apple chunks. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
• Apple—use McIntosh or Golden Delicious for a softer bite. For a crisp texture that holds its crunch, choose Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.
• Bread—any sandwich bread will work. I prefer white bread.
• Egg and milk—beaten together for the egg wash.
• Maple syrup—use real maple syrup for best flavor. Feel free to substitute with your favorite syrup.
• Spices—salt and black pepper.
• Butter—for grilling and adding flavor.

Recipe highlights:

• Combine the apple and shredded cheese and set aside.
• To assemble each sandwich, layer 1/4 of the apple-cheese mixture, 3 slices of ham, and another 1/4 of the apple-cheese mixture between 2 slices of bread.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip the bottom of the sandwich into the egg wash. Add to the skillet, egg side down, and cook, loosely covered, until the bottom is golden brown.
• Remove the sandwich, then dip the second side into the egg wash. Add more butter to the skillet and cook, loosely covered, until the second side is golden brown. 
• Serve hot with maple syrup for dipping.
• Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

How to store:

To store leftovers, wrap tightly in foil, or place in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350° F until warmed through.

Pro tips:

• Cook on medium heat, allowing sufficient time for the filling to warm through and the cheese to melt. High heat toasts the bread too quickly, leaving the center cold and the cheese unmelted.
• Loosely cover the skillet to trap heat for even cooking while letting steam escape.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent clumping but also keep it from melting smoothly.

Recommended supplies:

(Affiliate links. The products I recommend are either what I use, have on my wish list, or are highly rated.)

• Skillet with a lid—this 11-inch skillet has a ceramic nonstick coating and is large enough to cook two sandwiches at once.
• Spatula—this set of two has wooden handles and heat-resistant silicone blades.
• Shallow bowl—for beating the egg wash.

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Ham Apple Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese

Author: In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Grilling Stovetop Cooked Cuisine:American Courses:Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 5 minutesTotal time: 15 minutesServings:2 servings

Description

This Ham Apple Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese is a delicious mashup of two classic sandwiches. It brings cozy fall flavors with layers of smoky ham, tart apple, and gooey cheese on egg-dipped, grilled bread. Served with maple syrup for dipping, it offers the perfect sweet-and-savory bite.

Ingredients

• 6 slices of honey or brown sugar ham, regular sliced
• 4-5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded recommended
• 1/3 of a standard-sized apple, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices of bread
• butter to grease the skillet

Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg, milk, salt, and black pepper with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
2. Combine the apple and shredded cheese in a separate bowl, and set aside.
3. Preheat a skillet on medium heat.
4. To assemble each sandwich: Spread 1/4 of the apple-cheese mixture onto one slice of bread. Layer with 3 slices of ham, followed by another 1/4 of the mixture. Top with a second slice of bread.

Assemble both sandwiches together. If cooking them one at a time, wait to dip the second sandwich in the egg wash until you are ready to cook it.

5. Add enough butter to coat the bottom of the skillet. Dip the bottom of the sandwich into the egg wash, then place it into the skillet. Loosely cover and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Remove the sandwich and place it in the egg wash, uncooked side down. Add more butter to coat the pan before removing the sandwich from the egg wash.
7. Place the sandwich in the skillet, egg-side down, and cover loosely. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. If cooking in batches, repeat steps 5-7 for the second sandwich.
   Serve hot with maple syrup for dipping.

Check the underside of the sandwich after 1 minute. I find the second side cooks more quickly. Reduce the heat if this happens.

8. Makes 2 sandwiches.

Keywords:Monte Cristo sandwich, Ham Apple Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple Grilled Cheese, Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese, Fall Lunch Ideas, Fall Sandwich Recipes

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