13 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Monte Cristo Sandwiches

We all know that feeling when a snack just hits the spot. Monte Cristo sandwiches are those dreamy portable meals we can't resist (a fried ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich often dipped in egg and pan-fried).

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.

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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 (with peppery arugula and crisp romaine for texture).

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 (Ocimum basilicum) 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?

It's a comforting side that never feels heavy and pairs well with tomato pie side inspirations.

3 - Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are orange sticks of joy, right? They bring a nice, sweet crunch to our table (with natural sweetness and earthy undertones).

BBQ sauce or spicy mayo works wonders and pairs nicely with sweet potato soup side pairings.

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 (Brassica oleracea) 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 and work well with roasted vegetable side ideas.

5 - Fresh Fruit Salad

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 (bright, cooling menthol notes).

This side is simple and makes any plate look fancy and pairs nicely with taco salad side suggestions.

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 comfort food in a crispy jacket.

We roast these spuds until they're golden and crispy on the outside.

Parmesan gives a salty punch (Parmigiano-Reggiano), 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

Who doesn't appreciate a side that screams crunch? Coleslaw adds a refreshing touch to any plate.

We should stick with fresh cabbage (Brassica oleracea) 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 (with dill's herbal, slightly citrusy notes).

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 (slow-caramelized over 30-45 minutes).

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 (about ⅛-1/4 inch thick).

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 (use elbow macaroni for classic texture).

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 (about a 1:1 sugar-to-cranberry ratio).

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 go well with the sweetness of pears (peppery arugula, Eruca sativa).

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.