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    Home » Recipes » Dish Type » Sandwiches and Burgers

    The Mediterranean Monte Cristo Sandwich

    Published: Sep 1, 2018 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Sep 15, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe
    Mediterranean Monte Cristo | gourmet sandwich - foodmeanderings.com

    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....

    Gourmet Monte Cristo Sandwich - Mediterranean

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 📖 Variations & Substitutions:
    • 💭 Top Tip
    • 🌡️ Storage
    • 👪 Serving Size
    • ⭐ Reviews
    • 🥪Mediterranean Monte Sandwich Recipe
    • 📋More Mediterranean Recipes!

    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!

    🥘 Ingredients

    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!

    📖 Variations & Substitutions:

    • Grape leaves: substitute Swiss chard
    • Pepperoncini: ( I use Mezzetta brand) you could substitute any hot pepper/tamed or regular jalapenos
    • Kalamata black olives - you can substitute regular black olives
    • Bread: you can use any bread, but white bread is best for monte cristos
    • Make it WW friendly: use light feta cheese, light swiss cheese, non-fat ham, light mayonnaise and WW friendly bread
    Mediterranean monte cristo on cutting board

    💭 Top Tip

    Grape Leaves: The leaves of grape vines are used most commonly in Greek cooking for "dolmas" as well as in some other Mediterranean dishes. It's important that you cover grape leaves with boiling water and let them sit 5 minutes, then drain, pat dry and set aside (do the same if using chard leaves) *NOTE: I buy grape leaves in a jar at a Superstore in Calgary or at a Mediterranean market

    🌡️ Storage

    You can make this sandwich ahead, but it's best fresh. You can also store it for 1 day (tops) in the fridge and reheat it for about 20-30 seconds in the microwave. Do NOT freeze it!

    Gourmet Mediterranean Monte Cristo Sandwich - foodmeanderings.com

    👪 Serving Size

    This recipe makes 2 servings. However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the blue serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust.

    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 recipe is also worth the effort, although it's pretty easy to make.

    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, or gourmet sandwich ideas, then give this Mediterranean Monte a try! You won't be disappointed.

    And here's another couple awesome HOT sammies for you to try!

    Leftover Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Panini-Bonus - it uses up your leftover turkey!

    turkey and cranberry panini on cutting board with green apples and cranberry aioli in background

    Strawberry Moscato Gourmet Grilled Cheese

    Strawberry Moscato grilled cheese on wooden tree platter with glass of moscato in background and strawberries

    ⭐ Reviews

    Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE  (get my FREE E-cookbook) and be sure to FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    mediterranean monte cristo sandwich (with pepper on top) on a cutting board with sky in the background
    Food Meandering Logo

    🥪Mediterranean Monte Sandwich Recipe

    This gourmet sandwich is a Mediterranean take on the Monte Cristo sandwich 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 gourmet sandwich you've ever had!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: lunch, Main Course, sandwich
    Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
    Keyword: gourmet sandwich, mediterranean, monte cristo
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 513kcal
    Author: Terri Gilson
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 slices sliced ham
    • 8 California grape leaves (chard leaves can be substituted
    • 2 tablespoon pitted kalamata olives
    • 2 tablespoon roasted red bell peppers from jar (I use Mezzetta), drained and patted dry
    • 1 egg
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 4 slices white bread (you can use any bread, but these hold up best)
    • ½ teaspoon minced or pureed garlic * I use garlic from a jar
    • 3 teaspoon mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon lemon rind
    • 2 teaspoon honey mustard
    • 4 slices swiss cheese
    • 4 tablespoon feta cheese , very finely crumbled
    • 2 tablespoon deli-sliced Golden Greek pepperoncini ( I use Mezzetta) you could substitute any hot pepper/tamed or regular jalapenos
    US Customary - Metric

    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

    📖 Variations & Substitutions:
    Grape leaves: substitute Swiss chard
    Pepperoncini: ( I use Mezzetta brand) you could substitute any hot pepper/tamed or regular jalapenos
    Kalamata black olives - you can substitute regular black olives
    Bread: you can use any bread, but white bread is best for monte cristos
    Make it WW friendly: use light feta cheese, light swiss cheese, non-fat ham, light mayonnaise and WW friendly bread
    🌡️ Storing
    You can make this sandwich ahead, but it's best fresh. You can also store it for 1 day (tops) in the fridge and reheat it for about 20-30 seconds in the microwave. Do NOT freeze it!
    *NOTE: I buy Mezzetta products at Sobey's in Calgary, but you can get them online as well. You can use any roasted red peppers, but I never seen pepperoncini in another brand- I think this is a Mezzetta signature product.
    *This is NOT a sponsored post for Mezzetta.
    My Amazon Recommendations (affiliate links)

    Nutrition Facts
    🥪Mediterranean Monte Sandwich Recipe
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 513 Calories from Fat 216
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 24g37%
    Saturated Fat 10g63%
    Cholesterol 154mg51%
    Sodium 1567mg68%
    Potassium 431mg12%
    Carbohydrates 37g12%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 9g10%
    Protein 37g74%
    Vitamin A 3925IU79%
    Vitamin C 21.7mg26%
    Calcium 979mg98%
    Iron 3.4mg19%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 513kcal (26%) | Carbohydrates: 37g (12%) | Protein: 37g (74%) | Fat: 24g (37%) | Saturated Fat: 10g (63%) | Cholesterol: 154mg (51%) | Sodium: 1567mg (68%) | Potassium: 431mg (12%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 9g (10%) | Vitamin A: 3925IU (79%) | Vitamin C: 21.7mg (26%) | Calcium: 979mg (98%) | Iron: 3.4mg (19%)
    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
    Rate this Recipe

    📋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
    • Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
    • Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki
    • Greek-style Veggie Phyllo Pizza

    « Healthy Homemade Pita Pizza Pockets
    Turnip and Apple Casserole »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue Slaght

      August 23, 2016 at 10:47 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Food Meanderings

        August 23, 2016 at 12:21 pm

        Thanks, Sue! Turkey can easily be substituted! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Dawn

      September 10, 2018 at 10:15 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        September 11, 2018 at 7:13 am

        Thanks, Dawn 🙂 I hope you get a chance to make it for hubby and he enjoys it!

        Reply
    3. Denise from Urb'n'Spice

      September 12, 2018 at 8:00 am

      Wow! That is a gourmet sandwich, for sure, Terri! I pinned it on my "Sandwiches are Beautiful" board. 🙂

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        September 13, 2018 at 7:07 am

        Thanks Denise!

        Reply
    4. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      September 13, 2018 at 3:31 am

      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!

      Reply
    5. Kristen

      September 14, 2018 at 7:43 am

      Who doesn’t love a good sandwich, this sounds delicious. Definitely marking it for my next lunch!

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        September 16, 2018 at 9:13 am

        Thanks, Kristen! I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply

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    I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer, and a busy working mom who is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks, and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

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    421 shares