<Tr> <Th> Main ingredients </Th> <Td> Bread, ham, cheese (Emmental or Gruyère), egg batter </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Cookbook: Monte Cristo sandwich Media: Monte Cristo sandwich </Td> </Tr> <P> A Monte Cristo is a fried ham and cheese sandwich, a variation of the French croque - monsieur . In the 1930s--1960s, American cookbooks had recipes for this sandwich under such names as "French Sandwich", "Toasted Ham Sandwich", and "French Toasted Cheese Sandwich". Swiss cheese is typically used . </P> <P> In most regions, the sandwich is savory rather than sweet . Traditionally, it is dipped in its entirety in egg batter and pan fried, though it may also be deep fried . Regional variations may include sliced turkey . In some areas of the US it is served grilled; in others, it is an open sandwich with only the bread battered and the assembled sandwich heated slightly under a grill or broiler . In the southern US, some restaurants serve a variation that is batter - dipped and deep - fried . The Monte Cristo is sometimes covered in powdered sugar and served with preserves . </P>

Where did the monte cristo sandwich get its name