Monte Cristo Soup Recipe

Introduction

Monte Cristo Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. This creamy soup combines savory ham, turkey, and melted cheeses with a touch of sweetness from raspberry preserves, making it a perfect meal for chilly days.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• Grilled cheese croutons, for garnish
• Raspberry preserves, warmed
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and flour, cooking for an additional minute to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to combine smoothly.
5. Step 5: Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to season the soup.
6. Step 6: Add the diced ham and turkey, mixing well.
7. Step 7: Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Step 8: Stir in shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
9. Step 9: Serve the soup topped with grilled cheese croutons, a spoonful of warmed raspberry preserves, and fresh parsley garnish.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover roasted turkey or ham for an easy version.
• For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meats with sautéed mushrooms and smoked cheese.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Make your own grilled cheese croutons by toasting small cubes of your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese from sticking or separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the cheeses with dairy-free versions, although the texture and flavor will be different.

What can I use instead of raspberry preserves?

If you don’t have raspberry preserves, you can try other fruit preserves such as strawberry or apricot to add a similar sweet contrast to the savory soup.

Monte Cristo Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

Monte Cristo Soup is a comforting and rich soup inspired by the classic Monte Cristo sandwich. It features a creamy broth with tender ham and turkey, infused with melted Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons and a hint of sweet raspberry preserves, this soup delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors in every bite.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Soup Base

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Meats and Cheese

• 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Garnishes

• Grilled cheese croutons, for garnish
• Raspberry preserves, warmed
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Roux: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, then add the flour and cook for an additional minute to form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
2. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This creates the creamy base of the soup.
3. Season and Combine: Stir in the Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor. Add the diced cooked ham and turkey, mixing well to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken to a creamy consistency.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Swiss and mild cheddar cheeses until fully melted and blended into the soup, enhancing richness and flavor.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grilled cheese croutons, a spoonful of warmed raspberry preserves, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and complementary sweetness.

Notes

• Use whole milk for a creamy texture; substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
• Grilled cheese croutons can be made by toasting cubed grilled cheese sandwiches for added crunch and flavor.
• Raspberry preserves add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors—adjust the amount to taste.
• For extra richness, you can substitute some chicken broth with cream.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Keywords: Monte Cristo Soup, creamy ham and turkey soup, cheese soup, American comfort food, grilled cheese crouton soup