Monte Cristo Day is observed on September 17 each year to the delight of sandwich lovers and the savoring public! Do you know that America’s delicious Monte Cristo sandwiches have roots in the French version that was first served at a cafe in France in 1910? That’s right. The heavenly Monte Cristo sandwiches have a really long history!
History of National Monte Cristo Day
National Monte Cristo Day was first observed in June of 2015 after it was initiated by a renowned restaurant brand to celebrate the delicious sandwich loved across the country.
A Monte Cristo sandwich is an egg-dipped ham and cheese sandwich that is deep-fried. It is a variation of the French croque-monsieur sandwich that was first served in a cafe in Paris in the 1910s.
The sandwich is said to have exploded onto the American food scene from its humble beginning in California when restaurants in and around Disneyland started serving it to customers of the park.
Although recipes tend to vary from person to person, to make a classic Monte Cristo sandwich you need a few ingredients that usually include: white bread plastered in thinly sliced deli ham, cheese, and dipped in a beaten egg mix.
To make a Monte Cristo sandwich it’s recommended to use a sturdy white bread like a sourdough that can support all of the ingredients that need to go in between and around it, so the sandwich doesn’t fall apart.
For your choice of cheese, Monte Cristo sandwiches are made with Swiss cheese. It is strong and can stand out when dipped in a mixture of beaten egg and other ingredients. You can use any type of ham for Monte Cristo sandwiches.
National Monte Cristo Day was initiated as a day to commemorate the long history of Monte Cristo sandwiches that has continued to bless our taste buds for decades starting from when it was first served in continental America in the 60s.
National Monte Cristo Day timeline
Food historians believe that the Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur that was originally first served in a Paris cafe.
Although this is according to oral accounts, the Monte Cristo sandwich is said to have been first served in southern California.
The Monte Cristo sandwich supposedly explodes in popularity after restaurants in Disneyland begin serving it.
National Monte Cristo Day is initiated by a renowned restaurant brand to celebrate the delicious sandwich loved across the country.
National Monte Cristo Day FAQs
Who invented Monte Cristo?
The Monte Cristo Sandwich is an American variation of French Croque Monsieur sandwiches that first appeared on the menu of a Paris cafe in 1910.
Is Monte Cristo a type of sandwich?
Yes! A Monte Cristo sandwich is an egg-dipped ham and cheese sandwich that is deep-fried.
How was the Monte Cristo sandwich created?
The Monte Cristo Sandwich is an American variation of French Croque Monsieur sandwiches and it is prepared by dipping soft white bread plastered in thinly sliced ham and cheese in a beaten egg mix.
National Monte Cristo Day Activities
Make a Monte Cristo sandwich
There’s no better way to celebrate the sandwich that we all love than to make one yourself! Make a classic Monte Cristo sandwich with a few ingredients that include: soft white bread plastered in thinly sliced deli ham, creamy cheese, and dipped in a beaten egg mix.
Share a new recipe
No good thing survives in isolation. Invent your own blend of unique sandwich ingredients this Monte Cristo Day and share with the world to try!
Talk about it on social media
How else do you entice others to try? Share your experience and pictures of you making your own Monte Cristo sandwich on social media! Help other people get aboard its savory goddess train.
5 Things You Don’t Know About The Monte Cristo Sandwich
Its name pays tribute to a novel
The name Monte Cristo is Italian for 'Mount Christ,' which is the loosely translated meaning of Monte Cristo’s processor: ‘monsieur Croque,’ which might have been a tribute to an 1844 novel titled “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
It is America’s French Croque
The Monte Cristo Sandwich is an American variation based on the French Croque Monsieur sandwiches that first appeared on the menu of a Paris cafe in 1910.
It was made popular by restaurants in Disneyland
The Monte Cristo sandwich supposedly exploded in popularity after restaurants in Disneyland began serving it.
It’s often served with sugar
Traditionally, Monte Cristo sandwiches get a little dusting of powdered sugar and a small serving of jam
It’s not Monte Cristo without beaten egg
What strongly differentiates Monte Cristo sandwiches from other types of sandwiches is that it is fried after it has been dipped in a mixture of beaten eggs.
Why We Love National Monte Cristo Day
We get to eat a delicious sandwich
That’s right! National Monte Cristo Days are noted as one of the days when we consume the most sandwiches.
We get to invent a new recipe
Preparing a regular Monte Cristo sandwich can sometimes come with the opportunity to cook the sandwich with unique ingredients addition.
Keeps us in touch with our culinary skill
Yes! National Monte Cristo Days help us stay in touch with our cooking prowess by serving as the perfect opportunity for us to cook.
National Monte Cristo Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 17 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | September 17 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | September 17 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 17 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 17 | Sunday |
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