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A Monte Cristo sandwich is already a lot going on. Ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, egg batter, fried until golden brown, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with raspberry jam. So figuring out what side dish goes with a Monte Cristo sandwich without making the plate feel like too much takes a little thought.
The right side dish needs to either cut through that richness or lean into the sweet and savory thing the sandwich already has going on.
After years of testing different sandwich pairings, I’ve landed on a list that actually works. Not just sides that fill the plate, but ones that make the whole meal better.
Below, you’ll find the best options, from creamy tomato soup and crispy sweet potato fries to fresh fruit salad and tangy coleslaw, with tips on how to make and serve each one.
Best Side Dishes for Monte Cristo Sandwich
Tomato Soup
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
The acidity in tomato soup cuts straight through the richness of a fried, egg-battered sandwich stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese.
That golden brown, powdered sugar dusted exterior needs something warm and tangy to balance it out. Creamy tomato soup does exactly that.
It’s the same logic behind pairing a side dish with BLT sandwiches. Soup and sandwich just makes sense.
How to Make It
Keep it simple. Canned San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Blend until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Done in about 20 minutes.
Honestly, I used to overthink tomato soup. Took me years to realize the fewer ingredients, the better it tastes.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Tomato basil with a touch of cream. The basil adds an aromatic layer that pairs well with the Gruyere or Swiss in your sandwich.
Skip chunky versions here. You want something smooth enough to dip into.
Serving Tips
Serve in a small bowl alongside the sandwich. Homemade croutons from leftover brioche bread are a nice touch. Temperature contrast matters, so keep the soup hot.
Mixed Green Salad
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
A Monte Cristo is heavy. There’s no way around it. Egg batter, fried bread, melted cheese, ham, turkey.
A light garden salad with mixed greens gives your plate some breathing room. The crisp, fresh bite keeps the whole meal from feeling like a brick.
How to Make It
Toss arugula, baby spinach, and spring mix together. Add a simple vinaigrette with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.
That sweet-tart dressing mirrors the sweet and savory thing the Monte Cristo already has going on. Your mileage may vary, but I always do the dressing on the side.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Go with an arugula and pear salad. The peppery greens and sweet fruit slices create a contrast that just works. Throw in some toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
Serving Tips
Dress the salad right before serving. Wilted greens next to a crispy sandwich is a sad plate. Nobody wants that.
Sweet Potato Fries
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
The natural sweetness in sweet potato fries plays off the powdered sugar dusting and raspberry jam that traditionally come with a Monte Cristo sandwich.
Plus, crispy fries alongside a crispy fried sandwich? That’s just a texture party. Similar logic applies when you’re figuring out what side dish goes with hamburgers.
How to Make It
Cut sweet potatoes into even matchsticks. Toss with cornstarch, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake at 425F on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. The cornstarch trick is what makes them actually crispy instead of soggy. Learned that one the hard way.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Seasoned with cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne. The warmth pairs well with the Dijon mustard dipping sauce many people serve alongside their sandwich.
Serving Tips
Eat immediately. Sweet potato fries lose their crunch fast. Serve with honey mustard or a maple syrup drizzle on the side.
Coleslaw
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
Vinegar-based coleslaw brings a tangy crunch that cuts through the greasy, cheesy richness of this fried sandwich.
The combo of shredded green and purple cabbage with a sharp dressing cleans your palate between bites. It’s a classic sandwich accompaniment for a reason.
How to Make It
Shred cabbage and carrots. Mix apple cider vinegar, a little sugar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. The flavors need time to come together. Trust the process on this one.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Go with a vinegar-based slaw instead of creamy. The Monte Cristo already has plenty of richness from the egg batter and melted cheese. You don’t need more cream on the plate.
Each serving clocks in around 86 calories, so it keeps the meal a bit lighter too.
Serving Tips
Serve cold, in a small side dish. Don’t pile it on top of the sandwich. The moisture will kill the crispy exterior. If you enjoy coleslaw with other mains, it also makes a great side for pulled pork sandwiches.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
Berries, melon, and citrus bring a bright, refreshing contrast to the savory and sweet Monte Cristo.
It’s especially good for brunch. The sandwich handles the savory and indulgent side. The fruit keeps things feeling balanced and fresh.
How to Make It
Combine strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Toss with a light honey-lime dressing. Add chopped fresh mint.
Don’t skip the mint. It makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
A berry fruit salad specifically. The raspberry connection is already there since most Monte Cristo recipes are served with raspberry jam. It ties the whole plate together.
Serving Tips
Prep the fruit right before serving so it stays firm. Serve in a small bowl next to the sandwich. Chilled fruit against a warm, crispy sandwich is a solid contrast.
Dill Pickle Spears
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
Crunchy, tangy, and a little sour. Pickle spears cut through the richness of ham and melted cheese like nothing else.
There’s a reason every diner in America puts a pickle on the plate next to your sandwich. It works.
How to Make It
If you want homemade, it’s easy. Cucumbers, white vinegar, water, dill, garlic, and salt. Pack them in a jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
Store-bought works fine too. No judgment. Sometimes you just don’t have time.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Garlic dill refrigerator pickles. The garlic adds another layer of flavor that complements the Gruyere and Dijon mustard in the sandwich filling.
Serving Tips
Serve cold, straight from the fridge. Two or three spears per plate is plenty. They’re a supporting player, not the main event.
French Fries
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
Look, French fries go with everything. That’s not even a hot take. But with a Monte Cristo, the salty crunch of golden fries against the sweet, eggy bread is genuinely great.
It’s comfort food at its peak. The same way fries pair with sloppy joes or a classic burger, they just belong here.
How to Make It
Russet potatoes, cut into even strips. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Pat dry. Fry twice: once at 325F to cook through, then at 375F to crisp up.
Or just bake them. Toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. 425F for 25 minutes, flip once.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Truffle fries if you want to dress things up. The earthy truffle oil and Parmesan add a restaurant-quality feel to a homemade Monte Cristo meal.
Serving Tips
Season immediately after cooking while still hot. Serve alongside ketchup, ranch, or even the same raspberry jam you’re dipping your sandwich in. Sounds weird. Tastes great.
Hash Browns
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
The Monte Cristo started as a brunch sandwich. Hash browns are a brunch staple. Putting them together feels natural.
Crispy shredded potatoes with a golden, fried sandwich loaded with turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese. It’s the kind of plate that makes Saturday mornings worth getting up for.
How to Make It
Shred russet potatoes and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is the step most people skip, and it’s why their hash browns turn out soggy.
Press into a hot, buttered cast iron skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Crispy, diner-style shredded hash browns. Skip the hash brown casserole version. You want something flat and crunchy here, not soft and creamy.
Serving Tips
Serve hot, right from the skillet. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need. If you’re doing a full brunch spread, add some poached eggs too and you’ve got a complete meal.
Raspberry Preserves
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
This is the classic Monte Cristo companion. Raspberry preserves served on the side for dipping is how places like Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant have been doing it since the 1960s.
The tart, fruity sweetness against the salty ham and melted cheese filling is what makes this sandwich special in the first place.
How to Make It
Fresh raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. That’s it. Three ingredients.
Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens. About 30 minutes. Skim the foam off the top. Let it cool and jar it.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Homemade preserves with whole berry chunks. The texture difference between smooth jam and chunky preserves matters more than you’d expect with a fried sandwich.
Some people swap in cranberry sauce or even a berry compote. Both work well.
Serving Tips
Serve at room temperature in a small ramekin. Cold jam straight from the fridge doesn’t spread or dip as nicely. If you enjoy fruit-based pairings with other dishes, check out sides that go with ham for similar sweet-savory combos.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Why It Works with Monte Cristo
Caramelized, slightly charred Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze bring a sweet-tangy bite that balances the heavy, fried sandwich.
It’s one of those sides that makes the meal feel a bit more put-together. Like you planned a real dinner instead of just making a sandwich. Which, honestly, is exactly what happened. But nobody needs to know that.
How to Make It
Halve the sprouts. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400F for about 25 minutes until the edges are crispy and dark.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze right when they come out of the oven.
Best Variation for Monte Cristo
Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. The smoky, salty bacon ties into the ham in the sandwich. It sounds like a lot of pork, but at least in my experience, it just works.
Serving Tips
Serve warm. Room temperature Brussels sprouts lose their appeal fast. If you have leftovers, they reheat well in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes.
FAQ on What Side Dish Goes With Monte Cristo Sandwich
What is traditionally served with a Monte Cristo sandwich?
Raspberry preserves and a dusting of powdered sugar are the classic accompaniments. This tradition goes back to Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant in the 1960s. The tart berry jam balances the salty ham and melted Swiss cheese filling.
Should I serve warm or cold sides with a Monte Cristo?
Both work. Warm sides like tomato soup or French fries make the meal feel cozy, especially for dinner. Cold sides like coleslaw or a mixed green salad add a refreshing contrast to the rich, fried sandwich.
What soup pairs best with a Monte Cristo sandwich?
Creamy tomato soup is the go-to. The acidity from the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the egg-battered bread, ham, and Gruyere. French onion soup also works well if you want something heartier.
Can I serve a Monte Cristo for brunch with side dishes?
Absolutely. Hash browns, fresh fruit salad, and poached eggs all make great brunch sides. The Monte Cristo is basically a French toast and ham sandwich hybrid, so it fits right into a brunch spread.
What healthy side dishes go with a Monte Cristo?
A simple garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette keeps things light. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a berry fruit salad are also good picks. The sandwich is already heavy, so a lighter side helps balance the plate.
Do French fries go well with a Monte Cristo sandwich?
Yes. French fries are one of the most popular pairings. The salty crunch plays off the sweet powdered sugar and savory filling. Sweet potato fries are also great if you want a slightly sweeter option.
What dipping sauces pair with a Monte Cristo?
Raspberry jam is the classic dipping sauce. Dijon mustard, honey mustard, and maple syrup are solid alternatives. Some people serve a berry compote or even cranberry sauce for a different sweet-tart flavor.
Is coleslaw a good side for a Monte Cristo?
Vinegar-based coleslaw is a great match. The tangy, crunchy shredded cabbage cuts through the richness of the fried sandwich. Skip creamy slaw here since there’s already plenty of richness from the cheese and egg batter.
What side dishes should I avoid with a Monte Cristo?
Skip heavy, creamy sides like mac and cheese or loaded baked potatoes. The sandwich is already rich with melted cheese and fried bread. Too many heavy items on one plate makes the meal feel overwhelming.
Can I serve a Monte Cristo sandwich for dinner?
Yes. Pair it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cup of tomato bisque for a complete dinner. Add some dill pickle spears on the side and it’s a full comfort food meal that works any night of the week.
Conclusion
Picking what side dish goes with a Monte Cristo sandwich comes down to one thing: balance. The sandwich already brings the heat with fried bread, melted Gruyere, Black Forest ham, turkey breast, and powdered sugar. Your sides need to work with that, not against it.
Tomato bisque and vinegar coleslaw handle the richness. Crispy sweet potato fries and hash browns lean into the comfort food angle. Fresh berry fruit salad and dill pickle spears keep things lighter.
Don’t overthink it. One or two sides is plenty.
The best sandwich meal comes together when you mix textures and temperatures. Something warm, something crunchy, maybe a dipping sauce like Dijon mustard or raspberry preserves on the side.
That’s really all you need to turn a good Monte Cristo into a complete plate worth coming back to.
