Though this sandwich tends to vary from restaurant to restaurant, the basic sandwich is two slices of white bread containing ham, turkey, or chicken, and a slice of cheese are dipped in beaten egg and fried in butter. A classic Monte Cristo sandwich should come with a side of jelly to dip it in.

1910 - Most food historian generally think that the Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur. This original grilled cheese sandwich consisted of Gruyere cheese and lean ham between two slices of crust-less bread, fried in clarified butter. It was originally served in 1910 in a Paris cafe. This sandwich is still a popular snack or casual meal throughout France and Switzerland in most bars and cafes. It is usually made in a special sandwich grilling iron consisting of two hinged metal plates, each with two shell-shaped indentations. At most Paris cafes, the Croque Monsieur is no longer prepared as a square sandwich but rather as a one-sided tartine made with a large single slice of bread from a round loaf.