Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe: Bennigan’s Style with a Korean Twist

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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe, you likely have fond memories of the legendary Bennigan’s Monte Cristo. For many, it was the gold standard of brunch, crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. Today, I want to take you on a nostalgic flavor trip back to the early 2000s, but with a unique Korean twist. In South Korea, we took this classic American favorite and evolved it into the ultimate “Sweet & Salty” (Dan-Jjan) masterpiece.

What’s the secret? While the traditional version serves jam on the side, the Korean style builds the strawberry jam directly into the layers. Plus, since we pan sear it in butter instead of deep frying, it’s a healthier and much easier way to enjoy this classic at home. Ready to recreate this nostalgic Korean style Bennigan’s sandwich?

Monte cristo sandwich recipe, Korean sandwich, Bennigan’s monte cristo — monte cristo sandwich recipe

Monte Cristo Sandwich History

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a North American variation of the French Croque Monsieur, first appearing on American menus in the 1930s. It traditionally consists of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese dipped in egg batter and fried until golden. While it became a gourmet classic in Disneyland and American diners, its popularity peaked globally through major family restaurant chains like Bennigan’s.

The Nostalgia of Bennigan’s in South Korea

Bennigan’s was a beloved family restaurant that many Korean families and couples visited during the 2000s, though all locations have withdrawn from Korea since 2016. Among their menu items, the signature Bennigan’s monte cristo is a dish that many people still miss for its nostalgic flavor, even if it wasn’t overly complex.

Because of this, many Koreans often recreate this Bennigan’s monte cristo style at home. This unique Korean version has become a staple comfort food. If you are looking for a nostalgic monte cristo sandwich recipe, this Korean version is the perfect way to bring back those memories. Following a homemade monte cristo sandwich recipe allows you to enjoy the classic Bennigan’s monte cristo taste anytime.

The Original vs. The Korean Home Style

At Bennigan’s restaurants, they make a monte cristo sandwich recipe by putting ham, cheese, and turkey inside white bread, coating it in batter, and deep-frying it. They usually serve raspberry jam on the side.

The Korean Difference: In contrast, a home style Korean sandwich includes ham and cheese with layers of strawberry jam spread inside. Since many Korean homes do not have deep fryers, this sandwich is typically pan-fried in butter instead. This makes the Bennigan’s monte cristo style much simpler to prepare and less greasy. By layering strawberry jam inside the bread, this monte cristo sandwich recipe becomes even sweeter. It’s the quintessential example of “Dan-Jjan” (the Korean term for the addictive harmony of sweet and salty). This adaptation of the Bennigan’s monte cristo is what makes the Korean version so unique compared to the original monte cristo sandwich recipe.

Perfect for the Korean Palate That Loves Sweet and Salty

Many of you ask, “Why do Koreans use so much sugar?” It is true that we Koreans use sugar in many dishes. The reason is not necessarily to make it taste sweet, but to balance the flavors. Koreans love the harmony of sweet and salty. For example, Korean potato chips often combine these flavors, making them both sweet and salty. The same goes for the Korean corn dog; many Koreans coat the corn dog in sugar and then add ketchup and mustard. The Korean toast known asgilgeori toast (Korean street toast) is also famously made with plenty of sugar along with ketchup and mustard.

The Bennigan’s monte cristo with a Korean twist that I am showing you today is also built on this balance of sweet and salty. By layering strawberry jam into a savory sandwich of ham and cheese, this monte cristo sandwich recipe adds the perfect amount of sweetness. This monte cristo sandwich recipe creates a Korean version that perfectly suits the Korean palate. If you enjoy this unique flavor profile, this Bennigan’s monte cristo Korean style sandwich will be your new favorite.

Ingredients for the Monte Cristo Sandwich

3 Slices of Bread: White sandwich bread or Brioche.
2 tbsp Strawberry Jam: You can use raspberry jam, but most Koreans use strawberry jam because it is the most common kind found at home for this Korean sandwich.
4 Slices of Ham
2 Slices of Cheddar Cheese
2 Eggs & 3 tbsp Milk
10g Butter: Instead of deep-frying, this Bennigan’s monte cristo style is pan-fried in butter to create a savory, toasted finish. This makes the monte cristo sandwich recipe much easier to handle.
1 tsp Powdered Sugar: Restaurants sprinkle this to add more sweetness and beautiful plating. In fact, it is often skipped in many homes when making this Korean sandwich.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe: Bennigan’s Style with a Korean Twist — Bennigan’s monte cristo sandwich ingredients

Bennigan’s Style Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

Korean Sandwich Style

Build the Layers: Start by spreading a thin layer of strawberry jam on the first slice of bread. Place one slice of cheese and two slices of ham on top. This is the first step in creating a delicious Bennigan’s monte cristo.

The Triple-Decker Assembly: Place the second slice of bread on top and repeat: more jam, the second slice of cheese, and the remaining ham. Crown it with the third slice of bread. Layering the jam inside is what defines this unique Korean style.
Soak in the Egg Wash: Whisk the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Dip the sandwich, making sure all six sides including the edges soak up the mixture. This acts as a seal for the deliciousness inside this monte cristo sandwich recipe.

Pan-Sear to Perfection: Melt butter in a pan over low heat. Unlike the deep-fried American version, we pan-fry this sandwich. This is not only easier for home cooks but also results in a cleaner, less greasy taste. Cook slowly until the exterior is golden-brown and the cheese has reached its melting point, completing your Bennigan’s monte cristo.

Slice and Serve: Cut the sandwich into four triangles. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with an extra dollop of strawberry jam on the side for the full Korean sandwich experience. Enjoying this monte cristo sandwich recipe at home is the best way to recreate the classic Bennigan’s monte cristo flavor.

Explore More Korean Sandwich & Toast Recipes

Korean Street Toast (Gilgeori Toast)

Try the original Korean sandwich recipe, featuring bread toasted in butter and filled with plenty of cabbage and vegetables mixed in an egg wash. You can easily enjoy this delicious Korean sandwich right at home.

Gilgeori Toast: OG Korean Street Toast Recipe

Make Korean gilgeori toast at home with this easy, protein packed recipe full of eggs and veggies. This is the OG Korean street toast.

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Korean Salad Sandwich

This refreshing and healthy Korean sandwich recipe features dinner rolls stuffed with cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers tossed in a sweet mayo dressing. We highly recommend this for a simple breakfast or snack. If you’ve already mastered the Bennigan’s monte cristo style, this is the next Korean toast you should try. Following a different monte cristo sandwich recipe or toast recipe like this is a great way to expand your kitchen skills.

Korean Salad Sandwich (Salad Ppang) – 5-Minute Recipe

Let's make Korean salad bread (cabbage salad ppang 샐러드빵), a favorite food of Koreans, in just 5 minutes – no cooking required! All you need are rolls and cabbage to whip up this super easy recipe. For extra crunch and a healthier, tastier twist, add carrots and cucumbers. But even with just cabbage, you'll still have a delicious Korean-style cabbage salad sandwich!

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FAQ about Monte Cristo Sandwich

While the US version often uses turkey, ham, and mustard, the Korean style focuses on ham, cheddar cheese, and the signature strawberry jam for a sweet and salty finish.

Croque Monsieur is a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich typically topped with Béchamel sauce and more cheese. A Monte Cristo is essentially a variation that is dipped in egg batter and fried (or pan-seared), often adding a sweet element like jam or powdered sugar.

It’s a flavor explosion! You get the saltiness from the ham/cheese, richness from the butter-toasted bread, and a surprising sweetness from the jam that ties everything together.

It is much more delicious if you spread raspberry or strawberry jam on top of the Bennigan’s monte cristo or eat it by dipping it into the jam. Following this monte cristo sandwich recipe and adding that extra touch of jam is the best way to enjoy a Korean sandwich. Whether you choose to dip or spread, it perfectly complements the savory layers of the Bennigan’s monte cristo.