This keto Monte Cristo sandwich is an easy and tasty low-carb recipe. Just like the classic version it is loaded with sliced turkey, ham, & cheese & cooked in egg batter. It's a comforting hot sandwich without any of the guilt!
No more missing homemade sandwiches when on a ketogenic diet thanks to this recipe that is a low-carb version of the Disneyland classic. I grew up ordering the Monte Cristo at the Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans and wanted to create a copycat that was more healthy and didn't have all the carbs.
Disneyland's official Monte Cristo Recipe is served here. It is served with fresh fruit and jam on the side but to keep this low-carb or keto, I suggest skipping those and enjoying it as is or with a side salad.
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What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
If you don't know what is in a Monte Cristo sandwich, to summarize, it is full of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese. All stuffed between sliced sandwich bread - continue below for more information on what I used and other keto sandwich bread recommendations.
The egg dip is similar to making french toast and then griddled on a flat pan. Finally, the powdered no-calorie sugar replacement is a must for the final touch on a classic Monte Cristo Sandwich.
Ingredients for the Keto Monte Cristo Sandwich
For a traditional Monte Cristo sandwich, the usual ingredients needed are sliced turkey, sliced ham, and sliced cheeses. The egg dip that the assembled sandwich goes into includes a beaten egg, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Keto Sandwich Bread - I use Franz or Ink'd Keto Bread.
- Sliced Turkey Breast - thin luncheon meat found at any grocery store or deli counter.
- Sliced Ham - use one that is low-sugar, not brown sugar or honey ham.
- Sliced Swiss Cheese - thin or regular sliced, full-fat cheese.
- Egg - for the batter that is similar to what you make for french toast.
- Vanilla Extract - the floral flavor adds that comforting dessert-like touch.
- Ground Cinnamon - classic ingredient for the egg batter.
- Heavy Cream - to up the fat content in this keto version.
- Monk Fruit Powdered Sweetener - to keep it sugar-free and keto-friendly but with the added sweetness.
See the Recipe Card for full instruction and amounts.
Calories for this Sandwich Recipe
Each of you may purchase a different brand of bread, meats, and cheeses so this will vary slightly. As made this keto Monte Cristo sandwich recipe includes the following nutritional information -
EACH SANDWICH ESTIMATE – 390 Calories - 21.5g Fat – 37g Protein – 2.5 net carbs
How to Make a Monte Cristo Sandwich
There are only a few steps to make the best keto Monte Cristo sandwich from scratch. You will need to mix up the egg dip batter, assemble the sandwich, griddle the sandwich on both sides. Then finally, slice the sandwich and dust it with a no-calorie sweetener.
1 - Make the Egg Dip
In a shallow rimmed dish, such as a pie pan, beat the egg and then add the vanilla, cinnamon, and heavy whipping cream.
2 - Assemble the Monte Cristo Sandwich
For each sandwich, you will need two slices of keto sandwich bread, 3 slices of thin-sliced ham, 3 slices of thin-sliced turkey, and 2 slices of thin-sliced Swiss cheese.
Place both slices of sandwich bread next to one another on a plate. On top of each slice, add a slice of Swiss cheese. Then 3 slices of ham. On the other slice of cheese, pile up 3 slices of turkey.
3 - Dip Sandwich in the Egg Batter
Take each Monte Cristo sandwich and dip each side into the egg dip batter. Make sure it soaks in a bit into the bread but does not saturate it all the way through (this will make the sandwich too soggy). Should be about 10 seconds on each side.
4 - Cook the Sandwich on a Flat Griddle Pan
Put a pat of butter on a flat griddle pan or fry pan and heat to medium-high on the stove. Add your sandwich and cook on each side for about 4-5 minutes. Each side should be golden brown as seen below and the cheese will have just begun to melt.
Once the sandwiches are cooked, let them cool a few minutes so the cheese can set and keep the sandwich together. Plate and cut them in half.
5 - Dust with Monkfruit Sweetener
A Monte Cristo is always dusted with loads of powdered sugar. To keep this recipe low-carb and keto, dusting it with your favorite zero-calorie sweetener works perfectly.
I use powdered monk fruit and it was the perfect balance of a savory meaty sandwich plus a sweet balance. Swerve or other keto powdered sugar will work just fine.
What to Serve with a Monte Cristo Sandwich
Side dish recipes that are gluten-free, keto, healthy, or low-carb that all go well with this or other Monte Cristo recipes.
If you love this sandwich recipe, may I also suggest my KETO MUFFULETTA SANDWICH. It is on homemade fat head rolls and stuff with Italian cold cuts, cheese, and the infamous olive salad.
Keto Monte Cristo Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the sandwiches
- 4 slices keto white sandwich bread (or other keto white bread)
- 6 slices deli lunch ham thin-sliced
- 6 slices deli lunch turkey thin-sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese thin-sliced
- 2 tablespoon powdered monk fruit sweetener (or other no-calorie powdered sugar replacement)
Instructions
- In a shallow rimmed dish, such as a pie pan, beat the egg with a whisk. Then add the vanilla, cinnamon, and heavy whipping cream and whisk together.
- Place both slices of sandwich bread next to one another on a plate. On top of each slice, add a slice of swiss cheese. Then on a slice of cheese, pile up 3 slices of ham. On the other slice of cheese, pile up 3 slices of turkey. Bring both halves together to make one sandwich.
- Take each Monte Cristo sandwich and dip each side into the egg dip batter. Make sure it soaks in a bit into the bread but does not saturate it all the way through (this will make the sandwich too soggy). Should be about 5-10 seconds on each side, depending on the bread you are using.
- Put the butter on a flat griddle pan or fry pan and heat to medium-high on the stove. Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted, add your sandwich and cook on each side for about 4-5 minutes. Each side should be golden brown as seen below and the cheese will have just begun to melt.
- Let the sandwiches cool a minute before cutting them in half. Once ready, cut and then dust 1 TB of powdered monk fruit over each.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 390 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 21.5g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat 12.4g | 18% |
| Cholesterol 182mg | 49% |
| Sodium 1404mg | 65% |
| Total Carbohydrate 26.5g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 24g | 3% |
| Total Sugars 2.3g | |
| Protein 37g | |
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heather J Jandrue says
I had heard people speak of this while in Disneyland, but never really knew what it was. So it is both savory and sweet. Sounds good to me- minus the Swiss cheese. I would substitute that.
Angela says
I am not a Swiss cheese fan either but it works in this with the sharp vs meaty vs sweet flavors!
Megan says
I'm totally intrigued that there is vanilla! (Though I've never had a monte cristo) It sounds and LOOKS delicious!
Angela says
Think of it as a meat and cheese sandwich and french toast marriage.
C says
My thoughts exactly lol.
lisa manderino says
Where do you find the keto bread? That looks amazing!
Angela says
The bread I use is Franz keto white sandwich bread and they have it at Costco or the Amazon link in the post. It is my favorite of all the ones I have tried.
Alyssa says
Yummy, this sounds and looks delicious!
Sandi Barrett says
Looks yummy, I love a good Monte Cristo Sandwich
Barbara says
Looks so great! One of my favorites!
Angela says
Thanks so much for the rating and comment. A favorite sandwich here too.
Sabrina DeWalt says
I might have stayed low carb had I been able to figure out sandwiches.
Angela says
Better late than never. I hope you try this low-carb sandwich soon and love it as much as I do.
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com says
Wow, that looks great! *Groan* - why do I always seem to read your blog when it's coming up to dinnertime?? My stomach is growling!
Angela says
Ah, Suz, sorry for the between-meal tease but love hearing that you enjoy the recipes and read often. Check out my blog before making your next grocery list and then you can enjoy a few new recipes.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party - hope to see you there this Sunday. Have a fantastic weekend.
Seth says
Though this doesn't have the thick batter like those at Disneyland it sure was good. I do not eat many sandwiches since I am diabetic but this was good enough for me to make again.
Angela says
I am glad you enjoyed it. I agree the original is hard to copy for a keto version but this sure still hits the spot and makes we miss Disneyland and the Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans where we get it every time we go.
Sally B says
Just what I needed to get my Disneyland fix. Not as heavy and deep fried but still sweet and savory without the carb worries. Thank you so much for this recipe idea.
Angela says
I am glad you enjoyed it, you are welcome.