Transform Your Holiday Leftovers: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Monte Cristo Sandwich

The Thanksgiving feast is a culinary highlight, a time for gathering, gratitude, and an abundance of delicious food. But once the last slice of pumpkin pie is devoured and the guests have departed, a universal question often emerges: what to do with all those wonderful leftovers? While a simple reheated plate is always an option, the post-holiday period is truly the ideal time to unleash your culinary creativity and transform traditional fare into something extraordinary. Forget the mundane leftover sandwich; it’s time to elevate your Thanksgiving experience with a truly decadent creation: the Thanksgiving Leftovers Monte Cristo.

For years, the Monte Cristo sandwich has held a special place in my heart. I first encountered this magical creation at the tender age of nine – a delightful combination of ham, turkey, and cheese, sandwiched between slices of bread, dipped in a sweet batter, and then gloriously deep-fried. Served with a side of jam, it was an epiphany of sweet and savory that captivated my taste buds. From that moment on, it became my go-to order whenever I spotted it on a menu (though thankfully, for my health, such sightings are not an everyday occurrence!).

Why a Thanksgiving Monte Cristo is Your Next Leftover Tradition

This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a celebration of abundance and a testament to clever cooking. While Thanksgiving dinner itself calls for traditional presentation, the days following are perfect for innovative repurposing. The Monte Cristo provides the perfect canvas for your holiday remnants. It combines the savory richness of turkey and ham with the creamy melt of cheese, all encased in a delightful, slightly sweet, crispy exterior. The transformation is remarkable, turning familiar flavors into an exciting new culinary adventure.

To craft this elevated leftover experience, I chose garlic Texas Toast as the foundation. Its thick, sturdy slices are ideal for holding up to the rich fillings and the deep-frying process, offering a satisfying crunch. Between these golden slices, a generous layer of Drunken Goat cheese adds a unique tangy sweetness and exceptional meltability. If Drunken Goat isn’t readily available, Swiss or Munster are fantastic alternatives, providing that classic Monte Cristo creaminess. Next, piles of your succulent Sriracha Beer Injected Cajun Turkey (or any leftover turkey you have) and flavorful leftover ham create the hearty core of the sandwich. This thoughtful layering ensures every bite is packed with holiday goodness.

The assembled Monte Cristo is then lovingly dipped into a sweet, light batter, ensuring a uniform coating that will crisp up beautifully. A quick plunge into hot oil, whether in a deep fryer or a simple cast iron skillet, transforms it into a golden-brown masterpiece. The exterior becomes wonderfully crunchy, giving way to a warm, gooey interior where the cheese has melted into a sublime embrace with the tender turkey and ham.

And what completes a Monte Cristo? The perfect dipping sauce, of course! For this Thanksgiving iteration, there’s no better choice than cranberry sauce. Its tart and sweet notes perfectly cut through the richness of the fried sandwich, echoing the classic Monte Cristo pairing with jam and adding another layer of festive flavor. This combination is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will redefine your perception of Thanksgiving leftovers.

Texas Toast Thanksgiving Leftovers Monte Cristo Recipe

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a truly unforgettable Monte Cristo sandwich! Enjoy rich ham, tender turkey, and melted cheese on crispy Texas toast, deep-fried to golden perfection, and served with a tangy cranberry dipping sauce. It’s the ultimate upgrade for your holiday remnants.

Texas Toast Thanksgiving Leftovers Monte Cristo

Print Recipe

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
5 mins

Total Time:
15 mins

Servings:
2

Ingredients

Batter

• 1 Cup Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Large Egg
• 3/4 Cup Milk
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar

Sandwich

• 1/2 lb Leftover Turkey (sliced or shredded)
• 1/2 lb Leftover Ham (sliced)
• 4 slices Drunken Goat Cheese (Swiss or Munster would work great too)
• 4 Slices of Texas Toast (the kind from the frozen food section works perfectly)
• Canola Oil (for frying)
• Cranberry Sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, add flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients together well to combine.
2. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the wet egg and milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a smooth batter forms and there are no lumps remaining. Set aside.
4. Now, assemble your Monte Cristo sandwich. Place a slice of Texas Toast on a clean surface. Layer one slice of Drunken Goat cheese (or your chosen alternative) on top. Follow with generous portions of your leftover ham and turkey. Top the meat with another slice of cheese, and finally, place the second slice of Texas Toast on top to complete the sandwich.
5. To keep the sandwich secure during frying, insert a toothpick into each corner of the bread. This helps prevent the layers from separating.
6. Carefully dip the assembled sandwich into the prepared batter, ensuring both sides and edges are completely coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
7. Heat canola oil in a deep fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C), or in a cast iron skillet to about 1 inch deep. Carefully place the battered sandwich into the hot oil. Fry for only a few minutes per side, turning once, until it achieves a beautiful golden brown color and the cheese is melted and gooey. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan if using a skillet.
8. Once golden and cooked through, remove the sandwich from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Carefully remove the toothpicks. Slice the Monte Cristo down the middle, diagonally, for an appealing presentation. Serve immediately with a side of leftover cranberry sauce for dipping, and enjoy your sensational holiday creation!

Nutrition

Calories:
750
kcal
(38% Daily Value)

Tips for the Perfect Leftover Monte Cristo

• Even Thickness: Ensure your turkey and ham slices are relatively thin and evenly distributed. This helps the sandwich cook evenly and makes for easier eating.
• Cheese Choice: While Drunken Goat is unique, don’t hesitate to use what you have. Swiss, Gruyère, or even a good quality white cheddar can work wonders. The key is a cheese that melts well.
• Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the sandwich but not so thick it creates a heavy crust. If it seems too thin, add a tiny bit more flour; if too thick, a splash of milk.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Too cold, and the sandwich will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy. Too hot, and the exterior will burn before the interior is heated through and the cheese is melted. A thermometer is your best friend here.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry one or two sandwiches at a time, depending on the size of your pan or fryer. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy results.
• Drain Well: After frying, place the sandwiches on a wire rack over paper towels to allow excess oil to drain off, ensuring a crisp finish.

Creative Variations & Customizations

While the classic Thanksgiving Monte Cristo is a triumph, feel free to put your own spin on this leftover masterpiece:

• Bread Alternatives: While Texas Toast is fantastic, consider challah bread, brioche, or even thick-cut sourdough for different textures and flavors.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your batter for a subtle kick. Or, spread a thin layer of spicy mustard on one side of the bread before assembling.
• Cheese Exploration: Experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Muenster, or even a smoked gouda can add interesting dimensions.
• Add a Layer: A thin slice of stuffing, a dollop of mashed potatoes, or even some leftover caramelized onions could be nestled inside for extra flavor and texture.
• Sweetness Boost: A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the finished sandwich is a classic Monte Cristo garnish and adds another layer of indulgence.
• Other Dipping Sauces: Beyond cranberry sauce, consider a side of warm maple syrup, a mixed berry compote, or even a savory gravy for a unique twist.

Why This Leftover Monte Cristo Stands Out

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Monte Cristo is more than just a sandwich; it’s an ingenious way to extend the holiday joy. It takes beloved, familiar flavors—the savory turkey and ham, the rich cheese, and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce—and reintroduces them in an exciting, comforting, and utterly delicious format. It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to make with ingredients you already have on hand. It combats food waste in the most delectable way possible, turning what might have been ordinary into extraordinary. So, the next time you find yourself with a fridge full of holiday remnants, skip the predictable and embrace the sensational. Your taste buds will thank you.

Enjoy this festive, fried delight and make it a new tradition for your post-Thanksgiving culinary adventures!