Description
This Vegan Monte Cristo is a delightful plant-based twist on the classic sandwich, featuring homemade vegan ham, optional melty vegan cheese, and a sweet, cinnamon-infused batter. Perfectly pan-fried to a golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s served with tangy raspberry preserves for dipping — a sweet and savory treat that’s sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Vegan Ham Batter:
- 1/2 cup plant milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon
For the Sandwich:
- 5-6 vegan ham slices per sandwich
- 1-2 vegan cheese slices per sandwich (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise per sandwich
- Dijon mustard, to taste
- Thick cut sourdough or white bread
- 1 tbsp vegan butter (for frying)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Raspberry preserves, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a shallow bowl or high-rimmed plate, combine the plant milk, apple cider vinegar, and melted vegan butter. Whisk them together thoroughly. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 3-4 tablespoons of this milk mixture until smooth, then mix it back into the rest of the milk mixture. Finally, whisk in vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon to create a smooth, flavorful batter.
- Optional Cheese Preparation: If using vegan cheese, you can pre-melt it for better texture. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, add a little water, then place the cheese slices in the pan. The water will steam the cheese and help it melt without sticking. Once melted, carefully lift the cheese with a spatula and set aside.
- Warm Vegan Ham: Heat another pan over medium heat and warm the vegan ham slices until heated through. This step enhances flavor and texture but can be skipped if preferred.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread vegan mayonnaise on one slice of bread and Dijon mustard on the other. Layer the warmed vegan ham and optional melted cheese between the bread slices. Close the sandwich firmly.
- Dip the Sandwich in Batter: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegan butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, quickly dunk the assembled sandwich into the batter on both sides. For a softer, custard-like texture, you can soak the sandwich longer; otherwise, quick dips will suffice.
- Cook the Sandwich: Place the dipped sandwich in the preheated skillet. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side until similarly golden and crispy. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Dust the sandwich generously with powdered sugar. Cut into triangles or quarters. Serve with raspberry preserves for dipping and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- Pre-melting the vegan cheese is optional but recommended for better melting and texture.
- Warming the vegan ham slices prior to assembling the sandwich enhances flavor and warmth.
- Dunk time in the batter affects the texture; longer soaking results in a softer, custard-like bread.
- Use thick-sliced bread like sourdough to prevent sogginess and maintain structure.
- Adjust powdered sugar and raspberry preserves to suit personal sweetness preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
