I'm really not much of a sandwich girl. Maybe it's because my university years were wrought with far too many squished tuna sammies eaten out of my backpack. But then I came up with this Mediterranean Monte Cristo recipe and everything changed! If you love Greek food, you'll be all over this sandwich....
In one of my first jobs after university graduation, I worked with a lady that ate the same peanut butter and banana sandwich every day.
She said she needed routine; it gave her comfort. But she was always positive. I guess it didn't take much to make her happy. And if she wasn't such a positive person, I would have found it depressing to even sit with her at lunch. A lousy lunch everyday (especially in the form of a cold sandwich) is a downer, even if it's not your own lunch.
But HOT sandwiches, now that's a game changer!
Best Monte Cristo Sandwich
This is, by far, the best Monte Cristo sandwich (in my humble opinion)! This gourmet sandwich is a Mediterranean take on the Monte Cristo and is perfect when you are craving Greek flavors like Kalamata black olive and feta. Ham, grape leaves, a lemony, garlic aioli and melty cheese bring it together to make the best Monte Cristo you've ever had!
Gourmet Sandwich Recipes
I love that paninis are still all trendy-like. And because every corner coffee shop now has a press (and so do I!), I only have to eat a cold sandwich out of pure desperation. However, you don't even need a panini press for this sandwich - I use a frying pan. But it still qualifies as a gourmet sandwich.
I have a job that requires I eat lunch on my lap in my van pretty regularly. So, in order to avoid eating a cold sandwich, I will go to great lengths. Before leaving my office, I will heat it up the sandwich, put it in one of the Tupperware sandwich holders, wrap it in tin foil and house it in my insulated lunch bag until after my meeting when I can finally eat. Trust me, it's worth the effort. This gourmet sandwich is also worth the effort, although it's pretty easy to make.
Monte Cristo Sandwiches
I created this sandwich because I love Greek food and I like my food HOT! So... if you like your sandwiches hot, and are looking for unique Monte Cristo Sandwiches, then give this Mediterranean Monte a try! You won't be disappointed.
And here's another awesome HOT sammie for you to try! Bonus - it uses up your leftover turkey!
Leftover Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Panini
My Amazon Recommendations (affiliate links)
Mediterranean Monte Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices sliced ham
- 8 California grape leaves (chard leaves can be substituted)
- 2 tbsp pitted kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp roasted red bell peppers from jar (I use Mezzetta), drained and patted dry
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 4 slices white bread (you can use any bread, but these hold up best)
- ½ tsp minced or pureed garlic * I use garlic from a jar
- 3 tsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon rind
- 2 tsp honey mustard
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 4 tbsp feta cheese , very finely crumbled
- 2 tbsp deli-sliced Golden Greek peperoncini ( I use Mezzetta) you could substitute any hot pepper/tamed or regular jalapenos
Instructions
- Place grape leaves in large bowl, cover with boiling water and let sit 5 minutes. When done, drain, pat dry and set aside (do the same if using Chard leaves)
- Meanwhile, blend black olives and red peppers in food processor and mix until very finely chopped (Not pureed but just before reaching that stage)
- Transfer pepper/olive mix to wide, shallow bowl and add egg, milk and oregano. Mix until egg is broken up and fully incorporated.
- Spray frying pan with non- stick spray and heat element to medium on stovetop. Using your hands, place all 4 pieces of bread in the egg mixture (one at a time) and coat bread with egg mixture, then flip to coat other side.
- Immediately transfer to preheated frying pan and cook all 4 pieces of bread in frying pan until lightly browned and no longer soggy , on both sides (about 5 minutes on each side). Transfer to work surface (eg. cutting board)
- Mix mayonnaise with crushed garlic and lemon rind in small bowl.
- Spread inside of 2 pieces of bread with the mayo mixture and the other pieces with honey mustard. Add ham and Swiss cheese on the mustard side, dividing between both sandwiches.
- Next lay 4 grape leaves on top of each Swiss cheese on each sandwich, then sprinkle on feta cheese. Top with peperoncini, divided between both sandwiches, again. Cover with other piece of bread (mayo side down).
- Return to frying pan and cook on low (covered) until inside is melted and outside is crunchy (about 3-5 minutes). (You may have to flip a couple of times).
- Serve HOT, of course!
Notes
Nutrition
More Mediterranean Recipes!
Healthy Greek Pasta Toss (with spinach and feta)
Easy Mediterranean Chicken and Wild Rice Cups
Healthy Mediterranean Breakfast Burritos
Greek Lasagna & Garlic Toast cups
Greek-style Veggie Phyllo Pizza
This post is part of Country Cook's Weekend Potluck!
Yummy! I recall those days of lunches on the run and this definitely sounds like a treat. I might leave the ham out but I be it would still be delicious!
Thanks, Sue! Turkey can easily be substituted! 🙂
I love a good sandwich for any meal of the day and this one looks SO good!!! Love all that cheese and the hot peppers. So perfect for weekend eats! Hubby would love this one too 🙂
Thanks, Dawn 🙂 I hope you get a chance to make it for hubby and he enjoys it!
Wow! That is a gourmet sandwich, for sure, Terri! I pinned it on my "Sandwiches are Beautiful" board. 🙂
Thanks Denise!
Some days you just need a loaded sandwich, and this one has all the toppings! Love the melty cheese! My hubby eats a lot of sandwiches so I know he would love this one!
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich, this sounds delicious. Definitely marking it for my next lunch!
Thanks, Kristen! I hope you enjoy it!