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!
Course lunch, Main Course, sandwich
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword gourmet sandwich, mediterranean, monte cristo
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 chardPepperoncini: ( I use Mezzetta brand) you could substitute any hot pepper/tamed or regular jalapenosKalamata black olives - you can substitute regular black olivesBread: you can use any bread, but white bread is best for monte cristosMake it WW friendly: use light feta cheese, light swiss cheese, non-fat ham, light mayonnaise and WW friendly bread🌡️ StoringYou 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 513Calories 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.