Monte Cristo Roll Ups

Last Sunday morning I stood in my kitchen watching butter melt in the pan, remembering how my college roommate used to make these when we were too broke to go out for brunch but wanted something that felt special. She taught me that the secret is getting the seam side down first so they hold their shape while the cheese melts into everything else.

I made a batch for my neighbor's baby shower last month and watched three different people ask for the recipe between bites. Something about the playful spiral shape makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Ingredients

• Soft white sandwich bread: Removing the crusts and flattening the bread makes it pliable enough to roll tightly without tearing
• Deli ham and turkey: Thin slices work best here since they will be layered inside the roll
• Swiss cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a mild nutty flavor that complements the powdered sugar dusting
• Eggs and milk: This French toast style coating gives the exterior that golden crispy finish
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve even browning in the pan
• Powdered sugar and raspberry jam: The classic sweet finish that makes a Monte Cristo sing

Instructions

Flatten the bread:

Use a rolling pin to roll each slice thin and pliable, pressing gently but firmly

Layer the fillings:

Place ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese on each flattened piece, leaving a small border

Roll them tight:

Starting from one end, roll each slice into a log and press gently to seal the seam

Make the egg mixture:

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl until combined

Coat the roll ups:

Dip each roll in the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly

Get the pan ready:

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it foams slightly

Cook to golden:

Add roll ups seam side down and cook about 6 to 8 minutes, turning until browned on all sides

Finish and serve:

Dust with powdered sugar while warm and serve with raspberry jam alongside

Pin Recipe

My daughter now requests these for sleepover breakfasts and insists on doing the rolling herself. There is something so satisfying about watching someone else fall in love with a recipe you have made hundreds of times.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble the roll ups the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Dip them in the egg mixture just before cooking for the freshest texture.

Cheese Choices

Swiss is traditional but Gruyère adds an even deeper flavor while cheddar brings a sharper bite. The key is choosing something that melts smoothly.

Serving Ideas

These work beautifully for brunch alongside fresh fruit or as an afternoon snack with hot coffee. The sweet and savory balance makes them surprisingly versatile.

• Cut them in half diagonally for easier two bite serving
• Try apricot or strawberry jam if raspberry is not your favorite
• Keep finished roll ups warm in a 200 degree oven while cooking the remaining batches

Pin Recipe

Hope these Monte Cristo roll ups become a regular in your kitchen rotation too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes Monte Cristo roll ups different from regular Monte Cristo sandwiches?

Instead of being assembled as a traditional sandwich, these roll ups wrap the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese inside flattened bread slices that are rolled into logs. This creates easier-to-eat portions with more surface area for golden, crispy edges after pan-frying.

→ Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?

You can assemble the roll ups and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before cooking. However, it's best to dip them in the egg mixture and cook them just before serving for optimal texture and freshness.

→ What other cheeses work well in these roll ups?

Gruyère offers excellent melting properties similar to Swiss with a slightly nuttier flavor. Cheddar provides a sharper taste, while provolone melts beautifully and adds mild creaminess. Any good melting cheese will work.

→ Why do Monte Cristo roll ups include powdered sugar and jam?

This sweet-savory combination is traditional to Monte Cristo preparations. The powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty ham and turkey, while raspberry jam provides tangy contrast. You can serve without these toppings if you prefer a purely savory version.

→ Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Yes, place the dipped roll ups on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with melted butter before baking to help achieve golden color, though they won't get quite as crispy as pan-fried versions.

→ How do I prevent the roll ups from unrolling during cooking?

Roll the bread tightly and press gently to seal the seam. Place them seam-side down in the pan first—this helps seal the edge as it cooks. The egg mixture also acts as a binder to hold everything together.