We all know that feeling when a snack just hits the spot. Monte Cristo sandwiches are those dreamy portable meals we can’t resist. They’re sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
These beauties are so tasty that sometimes, we take a bite and think, “What could possibly make this even better?” That’s where the side dishes come into play. Great sides can transform a good sandwich into a spread worthy of a weekend feast.
So, what do we pair with our crispy, cheesy, and ham-filled treasures? Grab your forks and prepare for some delicious inspiration. We’ve got a list to elevate your Monte Cristo game, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Here are some of our favorite sides to serve with Monte Cristo sandwiches:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette | Mixed greens, vinaigrette | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Tomato Basil Soup | Tomatoes, basil, cream | Savory, herby | Medium | 30 mins |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, seasoning | Sweet, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, balsamic glaze | Savory, tangy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Fresh Fruit Salad | Mixed seasonal fruits | Sweet, refreshing | Easy | 15 mins |
| Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes | Potatoes, Parmesan, garlic | Savory, crispy | Medium | 35 mins |
| Creamy Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayo | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Dill Pickle Spears | Cucumbers, vinegar, dill | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 10 mins |
| French Onion Soup | Onions, beef broth, cheese | Savory, rich | Medium | 50 mins |
| Maple-Glazed Bacon | Bacon, maple syrup | Sweet, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
| Baked Mac and Cheese | Pasta, cheese, milk, breadcrumbs | Cheesy, creamy | Medium | 40 mins |
| Cranberry Chutney | Cranberries, sugar, spices | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Arugula and Pear Salad | Arugula, pears, walnuts, vinaigrette | Fresh, peppery | Easy | 15 mins |
1 – Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette
Who knew salad could be so fancy? A mixed green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of a Monte Cristo.
Fresh ingredients are key here. We should use a mix of greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine for texture and a pop of colour.
Homemade vinaigrettes are easy to whip up. A splash of balsamic paired with olive oil hits the spot. Season it right for a punchy dressing.
Add-ins like nuts or fruit can also liven things up. Grapes or walnuts can add interesting flavours.
This isn’t just a side; it’s a shout-out to freshness alongside that delicious sandwich.
2 – Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Silky and smooth, it pairs well with our Monte Cristo.
We need fresh basil for that aromatic kick. A handful can transform a can of soup into something that feels homemade.
Croutons add crunch. We should make our own from leftover bread. It’s easy and way better than store-bought.
A sprinkle of cheese on top gives it a creamy finish. The combo of tomatoes and basil? Classic. It’s a comforting side that never feels heavy.
3 – Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are basically orange sticks of joy, right? They bring a nice, sweet crunch to our table.
Dipping them is a must. BBQ sauce or spicy mayo works wonders. Pairing them with a burger? Solid decision.
Twist it up by sprinkling some cinnamon or cayenne. It ups the flavor. We can make them healthier by baking instead of frying.
Cut them thick for a chewy bite, or thin for extra crispiness. No one likes soggy fries.
4 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Who knew Brussels sprouts could be so fancy?
We often roast these little gems until they’re crispy and tender inside.
Balsamic glaze brings a deep flavor that’s hard to beat.
We toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper for a simple prep.
Aim for a caramelized finish for the best texture.
Extra tip: add some bacon for a savoury twist—or keep it plant-based!
These sprouts make a great side that shakes up any meal.
5 – Fresh Fruit Salad
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Is fruit salad just a colourful mix of snack-level fun? Absolutely. Fresh fruit offers great texture and sweetness. We can toss in melons, berries, and citrus for variety.
Dress it up with a splash of lime juice. A little mint also adds zing. This side is simple and makes any plate look fancy.
Adding nuts or yogurt can take it further. It’s a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. We can even use it as dessert. Who says fruit salad is just for brunch?
6 – Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes
Crispy parmesan garlic potatoes are basically comfort food in a crispy jacket.
We roast these spuds until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
Parmesan gives a salty punch, while garlic amps up the flavor.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make it aromatic.
The secret is to boil the potatoes first for that fluffy inside. Add a drizzle of olive oil for a crunchy texture.
Don’t forget the seasoning—salt and pepper are key. Use them to dunk in ketchup or mayo.
7 – Creamy Coleslaw
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Who doesn’t appreciate a side that screams crunch? Coleslaw adds a refreshing touch to any plate.
We should stick with fresh cabbage for that perfect texture. A combo of green and purple cabbage always looks inviting.
Dressing matters. We prefer a mix of mayo, vinegar, and a hint of sugar for sweetness.
Shred those carrots in there. They add a splash of colour and crunch.
Coleslaw shines at picnics and BBQs. It balances the richness of heavier dishes.
8 – Dill Pickle Spears
Dill pickle spears are the snack we didn’t know we needed. Crunchy, tangy, and just a little sour, they bring a refreshing zing to any dish.
They cut through rich flavors like a champ. Perfect for snacking between bites of a Monte Cristo.
Pair them with a side of ranch or spicy mayo. They add variety without overpowering.
We recommend keeping a jar handy for late-night cravings. They’re versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
9 – French Onion Soup
What’s better than a cheesy bowl of French onion soup to warm us up?
It’s all about that rich broth, caramelized onions, and toasty baguette pieces soaked up in gooey cheese.
We need to hit up the right balance with the onions. They should be sweet and golden, not burnt.
Using quality broth also makes a difference. We can go beef or veggie, depending on preference.
Broil it until the cheese is bubbling and a little brown. Crusty bread is key; it needs to stand up to all that gooeyness.
Top it with fresh herbs for extra flair. It’s simple and always a hit with friends.
10 – Maple-Glazed Bacon
Who knew bacon could get even better? Maple-glazed bacon is like a morning hug with a sweet twist.
We cook it until crispy, then drizzle it with maple syrup. The combo of sweet and salty rocks every brunch.
Use thick-cut bacon for that extra chew.
Try baking it in the oven for an easy clean-up. It’s all about letting the flavors meld while we sip coffee.
This side adds excitement to any plate. It’ll make us rethink our breakfast game.
11 – Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese is our go-to comfort food. Cheesy goodness is always a highlight. We combine pasta with a creamy sauce and bake until bubbly.
Topping matters. Breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. We often throw in some extra cheese for good measure.
Add-ins? Yes! We can toss in bacon or veggies if we feel adventurous. Let it cool a bit before digging in. Avoid burning our tongues.
This dish is a classic that never disappoints.
12 – Cranberry Chutney
Cranberry chutney? It’s like Thanksgiving in a jar. We bring the zing with fresh cranberries, sugar, and spices.
Serving it with turkey is a must. But don’t stop there; it brightens up cheese platters too.
Cooking it down takes no time. Just simmer until it thickens.
Keep it in the fridge for a quick fix whenever we need a flavour boost. It pairs surprisingly well with pork, adding that sweet and tangy magic.
13 – Arugula and Pear Salad
Last but not least, we have a fresh and flavourful arugula and pear salad. The spicy greens pair perfectly with the sweetness of pears. Add some walnuts for crunch and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for tanginess.
For an extra touch, crumble some goat cheese on top. It’s like a party in our mouths.
This salad is light yet satisfying, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, it adds some green to our plate so we can feel a little healthier while indulging in all these delicious sides.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.