Monte Cristo Soup Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Swiss and mild cheddar cheeses until fully melted and blended into the soup, enhancing richness and flavor.
- 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