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National Monte Cristo Day

Celebrate National Monte Cristo Day with the classic sandwich - try it in all its forms and fillings for a delicious day of indulgence!

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYBurgers

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Monte Cristo Day on September 17 by indulging in this delicious sandwich! The first Monte Cristo sandwich was created in the 1920s, when a French chef at a restaurant in New York City wanted to do something special with leftover ham and cheese. He decided to deep fry it and add some extra ingredients like jam or jelly, creating one of the most beloved sandwiches ever. Nowadays you can find this classic dish all over the world, so let's celebrate its history on National Monte Cristo Day!

TIMELINE

National Monte Cristo Day Timeline

Monte Cristo Invention

The Monte Cristo sandwich was created in New York City, when a French chef decided to combine ham, cheese, jam, and deep frying to make a unique and decadent sandwich.

Monte Cristo Popularity Grows

The sandwich gained popularity in the late 20th century when it began to appear on restaurant menus across the country, capturing the taste buds of Americans.

Disney's Version

Disneyland's Blue Bayou restaurant serves its famous Monte Cristo sandwich attracting visitors and making it a must-try dish in the theme park.

Monte Cristo Variations Emerged

Different variations of the sandwich started to appear, including versions with turkey or different types of jams like raspberry or cranberry.

National Monte Cristo Day

National Monte Cristo Day became an official food holiday in the United States, celebrated every year on September 17.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Monte Cristo Day

Make your own Monte Cristo

Making a Monte Cristo is not as difficult as it might seem. Start by cutting two slices of white bread, spread with Dijon mustard, then layer on slices of ham and Swiss cheese. Dip the sandwich in beaten egg and fry until golden brown. Serve with raspberry jam.

VISIT

Visit a restaurant that serves Monte Cristos

Check out local restaurants to see if they serve the famous Monte Cristo sandwich. Ask for recommendations from friends and family or search on Yelp for the best places to go.

HOST

Host a Monte Cristo party

Invite your friends over for an evening of fun and games! Set up a DIY Monte Cristo station where everyone can make their own custom sandwiches with different types of bread, cheese, and meats.

ORDER

Order takeout

If you're not up for cooking, why not order takeout? Many restaurants offer delivery so you can enjoy your favorite Monte Cristo sandwich without having to leave the comfort of your home.

TRY

Try a new variation

Switch things up by trying a new variation on the classic sandwich such as a BBQ pulled pork Monte Cristo or a grilled chicken version with bacon and cheddar cheese.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Monte Cristo Day

It's delicious

In the end, the best thing about the Monte Cristo is that it tastes incredible. The combination of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fluffy egg bread makes for an incredibly satisfying meal - no matter how busy your day might be!

It's a unique dish

There's something special about the Monte Cristo sandwich. The combination of sweet and savory flavors make it a truly one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Plus, it's simple to prepare but still looks impressive - perfect for impressing guests at parties or family dinners!

You can customize it

The beauty of the Monte Cristo sandwich is that you can customize it however you like. If ham isn't your thing, why not try bacon? Or if you don't have any Gruyere cheese, Swiss or cheddar will do just fine. Get creative and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect one!