National Monte Cristo Day celebrates the beloved sandwich that combines sweet and savory flavors in a unique French-inspired creation. This egg-battered, deep-fried sandwich typically features ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 17th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalMonteCristoDay #MonteCristoDay
- When was it founded?: June 2015
- Who founded it?: Bennigan’s Restaurant
History of National Monte Cristo Day
The Monte Cristo sandwich originated as an American variation of the French Croque Monsieur. While the sandwich itself dates back to French cafes in 1910, the national day was established in 2015 by Bennigan’s, a restaurant famous for its Monte Cristo sandwich.
Timeline
- 1910: First appearance of Croque Monsieur in Paris cafes
- 1950s: Monte Cristo gains popularity in California
- 1960s: Becomes a popular menu item at Disneyland
- 2015: National celebration established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sept 17 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | Sept 17 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | Sept 17 | Thursday |
| 2027 | Sept 17 | Friday |
| 2028 | Sept 17 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by making or ordering Monte Cristo sandwiches, sharing recipes, hosting sandwich-making parties, and posting their creations on social media.
Fun Facts About Monte Cristo
- The name is inspired by the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”
- It’s traditionally served with powdered sugar and raspberry jam
- Disneyland helped popularize the sandwich in America
- It’s considered both a breakfast and lunch item
Quiz
- When was the Monte Cristo sandwich first served?
- Which restaurant chain established the national day?
- What is the traditional cheese used in a Monte Cristo?
(Answers: 1910, Bennigan’s, Swiss cheese)
FAQs
Q: What’s in a traditional Monte Cristo?
A: Ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, battered and deep-fried
Q: Is it served sweet or savory?
A: Both! It’s typically served with powdered sugar and jam
Importance of Monte Cristo Day
This celebration highlights culinary fusion, bringing together French and American cuisine while promoting creativity in sandwich making and bringing people together over food.
Related
- National Sandwich Day
- National Grilled Cheese Day
- National French Toast Day
- National Ham Day