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WedSep 17

National Monte Cristo Day – September 17, 2025

Monte Cristo Day is observed on September 17 each year to the delight of sandwich lovers and the savoring public! Do you know that America’s delicious Monte Cristo sandwiches have roots in the French version that was first served at a cafe in France in 1910? That’s right. The heavenly Monte Cristo sandwiches have a really long history!

History of National Monte Cristo Day

National Monte Cristo Day was first observed in June of 2015 after it was initiated by a renowned restaurant brand to celebrate the delicious sandwich loved across the country.

A Monte Cristo sandwich is an egg-dipped ham and cheese sandwich that is deep-fried. It is a variation of the French croque-monsieur sandwich that was first served in a cafe in Paris in the 1910s.

The sandwich is said to have exploded onto the American food scene from its humble beginning in California when restaurants in and around Disneyland started serving it to customers of the park.

Although recipes tend to vary from person to person, to make a classic Monte Cristo sandwich you need a few ingredients that usually include: white bread plastered in thinly sliced deli ham, cheese, and dipped in a beaten egg mix.

To make a Monte Cristo sandwich it’s recommended to use a sturdy white bread like a sourdough that can support all of the ingredients that need to go in between and around it, so the sandwich doesn’t fall apart.

For your choice of cheese, Monte Cristo sandwiches are made with Swiss cheese. It is strong and can stand out when dipped in a mixture of beaten egg and other ingredients. You can use any type of ham for Monte Cristo sandwiches.

National Monte Cristo Day was initiated as a day to commemorate the long history of Monte Cristo sandwiches that has continued to bless our taste buds for decades starting from when it was first served in continental America in the 60s.

National Monte Cristo Day timeline

1910
The Predecessor's First Entry on a Menu

Food historians believe that the Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur that was originally first served in a Paris cafe.

1950s
First Official Entry on a Restaurant Menu

Although this is according to oral accounts, the Monte Cristo sandwich is said to have been first served in southern California.

1960s
Everyone wants a Monte Cristo Sandwich

The Monte Cristo sandwich supposedly explodes in popularity after restaurants in Disneyland begin serving it.

2015
Monte Cristo Day Founded

National Monte Cristo Day is initiated by a renowned restaurant brand to celebrate the delicious sandwich loved across the country.

National Monte Cristo Day FAQs

Who invented Monte Cristo?

The Monte Cristo Sandwich is an American variation of French Croque Monsieur sandwiches that first appeared on the menu of a Paris cafe in 1910.

Is Monte Cristo a type of sandwich?

Yes! A Monte Cristo sandwich is an egg-dipped ham and cheese sandwich that is deep-fried.

How was the Monte Cristo sandwich created?

The Monte Cristo Sandwich is an American variation of French Croque Monsieur sandwiches and it is prepared by dipping soft white bread plastered in thinly sliced ham and cheese in a beaten egg mix.

National Monte Cristo Day Activities

  1. Make a Monte Cristo sandwich

    There’s no better way to celebrate the sandwich that we all love than to make one yourself! Make a classic Monte Cristo sandwich with a few ingredients that include: soft white bread plastered in thinly sliced deli ham, creamy cheese, and dipped in a beaten egg mix.

  2. Share a new recipe

    No good thing survives in isolation. Invent your own blend of unique sandwich ingredients this Monte Cristo Day and share with the world to try!

  3. Talk about it on social media

    How else do you entice others to try? Share your experience and pictures of you making your own Monte Cristo sandwich on social media! Help other people get aboard its savory goddess train.

5 Things You Don’t Know About The Monte Cristo Sandwich

  1. Its name pays tribute to a novel

    The name Monte Cristo is Italian for 'Mount Christ,' which is the loosely translated meaning of Monte Cristo’s processor: ‘monsieur Croque,’ which might have been a tribute to an 1844 novel titled “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

  2. It is America’s French Croque

    The Monte Cristo Sandwich is an American variation based on the French Croque Monsieur sandwiches that first appeared on the menu of a Paris cafe in 1910.

  3. It was made popular by restaurants in Disneyland

    The Monte Cristo sandwich supposedly exploded in popularity after restaurants in Disneyland began serving it.

  4. It’s often served with sugar

    Traditionally, Monte Cristo sandwiches get a little dusting of powdered sugar and a small serving of jam

  5. It’s not Monte Cristo without beaten egg

    What strongly differentiates Monte Cristo sandwiches from other types of sandwiches is that it is fried after it has been dipped in a mixture of beaten eggs.

Why We Love National Monte Cristo Day

  1. We get to eat a delicious sandwich

    That’s right! National Monte Cristo Days are noted as one of the days when we consume the most sandwiches.

  2. We get to invent a new recipe

    Preparing a regular Monte Cristo sandwich can sometimes come with the opportunity to cook the sandwich with unique ingredients addition.

  3. Keeps us in touch with our culinary skill

    Yes! National Monte Cristo Days help us stay in touch with our cooking prowess by serving as the perfect opportunity for us to cook.

National Monte Cristo Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 September 17 Wednesday
2026 September 17 Thursday
2027 September 17 Friday
2028 September 17 Sunday
2029 September 17 Monday