Delicious Pairings: 8 Side Dishes for Monte Cristo Sandwich

Have you ever had a Monte Cristo sandwich? They are usually served in the form of an open-faced sandwich with all sorts of meats and cheese.

This dish is made up of French toast and ham in the middle.

Monte Cristo sandwiches are very delicious and flavorful in their texture compared to other common sandwiches that we all know about.

The use of thick French bread instead of a regular sandwich bun gives them a unique taste different from other sandwiches.

The use of the thick bread also makes it more filling and satisfying for one who eats it.

Monte Cristo sandwiches are usually used as a starter dish, but they can be eaten anytime throughout the day, such as breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

Many people prefer having them at any mealtime due to their unique flavor, irresistible to most people.

This dish contains many flavors, all in one bite.

That being said, serving them with a side dish is an excellent idea.

They go great with salad, some fruits, vegetables, or even delicious fried potatoes.

In this article, we will be going over eight side dishes that will go perfectly as a companion to your favorite Monte Cristo sandwich.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Monte Cristo Sandwiches?

Why are some people interested in serving side dishes for Monte Cristo sandwiches? There are several possibilities.

One reason would be to make the meal more filling.

Another is to give it a different flavor profile than simply serving bacon or ham on bread with cheese.

Finally, some might consider this an unconventional yet appetizingly exciting twist sandwich.

Side dishes also bring additional flavors to the meal, which can make it more interesting.

It’s generally accepted that the side dish should complement the Monte Cristo sandwich instead of merely serving as filler, like with many starchy sides like pasta or potato dishes.

Many possible side dishes can be served with Monte Cristo sandwiches, but some of the most popular would probably include hash browns, fruit salad, and French fries.

What to Serve with Monte Cristo Sandwiches? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here are 8 of the most popular side dishes to serve with Monte Cristo sandwiches, along with a short description for each one.

1 – Hash Browns

Hash browns are a popular choice for serving Monte Cristo sandwiches.

They work well because the flavors of the sandwich do not overpower them, and they provide additional carbohydrates so that the meal feels more filling.

Hash browns can be prepared from scratch, but they are also readily available in the frozen food section of most supermarkets.

To make them:

• Start by peeling and dicing potatoes into roughly half-inch cubes.
• Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat while mixing the diced potato with cornstarch or flour to give it some binding power.
• Place the potatoes into the hot oil and let them cook for several minutes until they are golden brown.
• Add salt and pepper, and serve.

2 – Summer Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is another popular choice for serving with Monte Cristo sandwiches.

This works well because it provides a refreshing contrast to the salty sandwich while keeping carbohydrates low to avoid feeling lethargic after the meal.

Many different types of fruit salads can be made.

For example, some people might prefer a tropical fruit salad that includes pineapple and coconut flakes.

Others might prefer a simple orange and banana salad.

Whichever type of fruit salad is preferred, the preparation process would be similar.

To start, peel and dice any fruits that are required into small pieces.

Then toss them together with sugar to taste, especially if the fruit is particularly sour.

3 – French Fries

Like hash browns, French fries go well with Monte Cristo sandwiches because of how easily they complement the sandwich without overpowering it.

They also complement other types of sandwiches too so if someone wants to vary their side dish occasionally, they can use different types of fries for different sandwiches.

French fries are prepared by first peeling and cutting potatoes into long thin wedges.

Then they should be left to soak in cold water for at least 10 minutes before frying them until golden brown.

4 – Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This combination works because the taste of the soup does not overpower the sandwich and provides a hearty meal that feels more filling than just eating a plain sandwich by itself.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup would be prepared roughly the same way as making a regular grilled cheese sandwich—first, butter one side of two pieces of bread.

Place the buttered side down on a pan and top each with cheddar or other types of cheese (American, Swiss, etc).

Then place the other piece of bread butter side up on top and let it cook for several minutes until golden brown.

Once it is ready, remove it from heat and serve warm with a hot bowl of tomato soup.

5 – Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Coleslaw can be mixed with mayonnaise and other additional ingredients to give it a tangy taste that complements the saltiness of Monte Cristo sandwiches.

The cabbage also provides extra carbohydrates, but it does not remove the flavor, unlike potatoes or bread.

Coleslaw is prepared by first grating a quarter head of red cabbage and the sandwich’s flavor too much.

Red cabbage coleslaw can be prepared by first cutting it into very thin strips and mixing with mayonnaise and other ingredients such as mustard, vinegar, salt, etc.

6 – Mediterranean Chicken Salad

This salad works well with Monte Cristo sandwiches because it provides a meaty dish that isn’t too salty and provides additional carbohydrates without taking away from the flavor.

The ingredients of Mediterranean Chicken Salad would typically include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.

These should be chopped into smaller pieces before mixing with grilled chicken breast slices and then dressing.

The contrast of the warm chicken and vegetables against the cold ingredients also makes this dish more delicious.

7 – Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables are an excellent choice for serving Monte Cristo sandwiches because the tart flavor helps to reduce some of the saltiness.

This can be particularly beneficial when consumed alongside other salty foods such as french fries or baked potatoes.

Pickled vegetables are prepared by first cutting carrots, cucumbers, or any other type of vegetable into bite-sized pieces.

They should be drained of excess water and mixed in a jar with sugar, vinegar, and any other desired spices.

Then they can be stored in the refrigerator for at least an hour before use.

8 – Sauteed Spinach

Sauteed spinach is a good option because it provides much-needed nutrients without adding too many additional carbohydrates.

It also goes particularly well with eggs and can be strategically pre-portioned to complement the Monte Cristo sandwich.

Sauteed spinach is prepared by thoroughly washing several spinach leaves before heating some butter or oil in a pan and placing the leaves inside.

They should be cooked for a few minutes until wilted before serving with salt, pepper, or any other typical seasoning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Monte Cristo sandwiches pair well with any of the foods listed above.

To make it a complete meal, potatoes and coleslaw should be avoided.

Each food provides different benefits, such as additional carbohydrates without taking away from the flavor or extra nutrients that can help to reduce some of the saltiness.

While Monte Cristo sandwiches are great by themselves, adding in some side dishes can make them an even more filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

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