🍓Very Berry Strawberry Monte Cristo Sandwich | Gourmet Summer Brunch Recipe

Very Berry Strawberry Monte Cristo Sandwich | Gourmet Summer Brunch Recipe

If you're looking for the ultimate summer brunch recipe, this Very Berry Strawberry Monte Cristo Sandwich is pure berry bliss. Imagine thick slices of buttery brioche bread soaked in a rich vanilla-lemon custard, grilled until golden brown, layered with melted Gruyère cheese, fresh strawberries, and strawberry preserves, then dusted generously with powdered sugar.

Surrounded by fresh blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, this sweet and savory breakfast sandwich delivers everything you love about French toast, grilled cheese, and a traditional Monte Cristo in one unforgettable bite.

The nutty Gruyère cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the berries while the lemon brightens every flavor. A dollop of homemade Chantilly whipped cream on the side takes this dish over the top, although it is absolutely delicious all on its own.

Perfect for summer brunches, Mother's Day, holiday breakfasts, bridal showers, weekend gatherings, or breakfast-for-dinner, this gourmet berry Monte Cristo is elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a lazy Sunday morning.

One bite and you'll understand why this may be one of the most delicious strawberry recipes you'll ever make. tretaylor.com

A little sweet. A little savory. A little indulgent.

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If French toast and a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich fell in love at a summer farmers market, this would be their delicious offspring.

My Very Berry Strawberry Monte Cristo Sandwich starts with rich brioche bread soaked in a vanilla-lemon custard, grilled in butter until golden brown, then layered with nutty melted Gruyère cheese, strawberry preserves, and fresh strawberries. A snowfall of powdered sugar and a mountain of fresh berries finish the plate.

It's sweet, salty, buttery, fruity, and absolutely perfect for brunch, dessert, or one of those "breakfast-for-dinner" nights when you need a little joy on your plate.

Happy Summer from the Nomad Kitchen!

With love, music, food, art, and fun,

Tré Taylor & Bleep the Tattoo

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Very Berry Strawberry Monte Cristo Sandwich

Ingredients

For the Custard

• 4 large eggs

• ½ cup half-and-half

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon brown sugar

• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Sandwiches

• 8 slices brioche bread

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 8 slices Gruyère cheese

• ½ cup strawberry preserves

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced

For Garnish

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh strawberries

• Fresh raspberries

• Fresh blackberries

Bleep the Tattoo says, "If French toast and a fruit basket fell in love, this would be their overachieving child."

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, salt, brown sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Place the brioche slices into the custard mixture and gently turn several times until the bread absorbs most of the liquid. Allow the bread to become fully saturated without falling apart.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

4. Place the soaked brioche slices into the skillet and cook until golden brown. Flip frequently to ensure even cooking and a rich golden crust on both sides.

5. Spread strawberry preserves on one side of the bread.

6. Top with Gruyère cheese and sliced strawberries.

7. Close the sandwiches and continue cooking briefly until the cheese melts and becomes warm and creamy.

8. Transfer to serving plates.

9. Dust generously with powdered sugar.

10. Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries piled alongside.

Chef's Notes

• Aged Gruyère adds the perfect salty, nutty contrast to the sweet berries.

• A touch of lemon brightens the entire dish.

• For extra decadence, serve with lightly whipped cream.

• This sandwich is equally wonderful for brunch, dessert, or a late-night comfort meal.

  
  

Nomad Kitchen Rating: Five Bleeps Out of Five