15 Best Sides for Monte Cristo Sandwiches for Brunch

Monte Cristo sandwiches are all about fried bread, melted cheese, and sweet jam. Rich, crispy, and indulgent.

The sides need to balance that. Cool crunch helps with the heaviness.

Acidity refreshes your palate between bites. Or go for comfort and add even more richness.

Here are 15 sides that go well with Monte Cristo sandwiches. Some are light and fresh, others make the meal heartier.

Pick your favorites and make a spread for brunch, lunch, or whenever you want one.

#	Side Dish	Type	Best For	Prep
1	Crispy Sweet Potato Fries	🍚 Starch	🌙 Weeknight	✅ Easy
2	Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing	🥗 Salad	✨ Any	✅ Easy
3	Creamy Coleslaw	🥗 Salad	✨ Any	✅ Easy
4	Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest	🥬 Vegetable	🌙 Weeknight	✅ Easy
5	Maple-Glazed Bacon	🍽️ Other	🎉 Hosting	✅ Easy
6	Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes	🍚 Starch	🍽️ Crowd	⏱️ Medium
7	Simple Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette	🥗 Salad	✨ Any	✅ Easy
8	Cranberry Sauce	🥢 Sauce	🎉 Hosting	✅ Easy
9	Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds	🥬 Vegetable	🌙 Weeknight	✅ Easy
10	Buttermilk Biscuits	🥖 Bread	🎉 Hosting	⏱️ Medium
11	Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce	🥢 Sauce	✨ Any	✅ Easy
12	Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze	🥬 Vegetable	🌙 Weeknight	✅ Easy
13	Kettle Chips	🍚 Starch	✨ Any	✅ Easy
14	Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil	🥬 Vegetable	🌙 Weeknight	✅ Easy
15	Soft Pretzel Rolls	🥖 Bread	🎉 Hosting	✅ Easy

What to Serve With Monte Cristo Sandwiches: 15 Sides

We tried these pairings more than once. Some lighten up the meal, some add crunch, and a few make it even more decadent.

Mix and match based on what you like.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet, crispy edges work well with the powdered sugar and jam. The caramelized flavor adds something extra without clashing with the sandwich.

• Toss with cornstarch before baking for extra crunch
• Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
• Season with flaky salt right when they come out

This side is great when you want something more filling.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Juicy fruit refreshes your palate. Citrus balances the fried coating and cheese without overpowering the meal.

A few tips:

• Add a squeeze of lime just before serving to keep berries bright
• Use whatever fruit is in season-melon, grapes, berries all work
• Drizzle honey sparingly so the fruit stays light

3. Creamy Coleslaw

This asparagus side brings some color to the plate.

Smoky, sweet strips play into the sweet-savory combo. Crispy texture is a nice contrast to the soft sandwich.

Bake on a wire rack at 400°F for even cooking and extra crispiness. Brush with maple syrup during the last 5 minutes for a shiny finish.

• Dress the slaw 30 minutes ahead so it softens slightly but stays crunchy
• Use red cabbage for color or stick with green for classic appeal
• A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the dressing

Maple bacon makes the whole meal better.

4. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Golden, crispy cubes add a filling bite. Garlic and parmesan bring savory flavor that works with the sweet sandwich.

Parboil for 5 minutes before roasting for fluffy insides and crispy outsides. Toss with grated parmesan and minced garlic right out of the oven.

This side is a must for anyone who loves potatoes.

5. Maple-Glazed Bacon

Peppery greens and tangy dressing cut through the fried sandwich. Light and bright, but not distracting.

Here's what works:

Balsamic vinaigrette is our go-to when we want something that goes with rich mains.

6. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Tart, colorful sauce adds a fruity contrast to the ham and cheese. The acidity lifts each bite.

Use whole-berry canned sauce for no effort or simmer fresh berries with orange zest for 15 minutes. The natural pectin thickens the sauce as it cools.

Serve it warm or chilled-both are good.

Cranberry sauce is the finishing touch for this meal.

Potato Style	Time	Best For
Roasted cubes	25 min	Crispy edges, fluffy centers
Smashed	30 min	Extra crispy surfaces
Wedges	35 min	Thicker, heartier portions

7. Simple Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Crisp-tender beans and toasted almonds add crunch. The nutty flavor balances the sweetness of the sandwich.

• Dress just before serving to keep arugula from wilting
• Shave parmesan on top for a salty, nutty bite
• Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch

A few tips:

8. Cranberry Sauce

This beans and almonds recipe is worth the extra five minutes.

Flaky, buttery biscuits add comfort and round out the meal. They soak up any extra jam or sauce.

Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough for the best texture. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a golden top.

Buttermilk biscuits are always a hit here.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
• Stir in a tablespoon of orange juice for brightness
• Make it ahead and refrigerate for up to a week
• Spoon it directly onto the sandwich or serve on the side

9. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

Tangy-sweet sauce is great for dipping. The mustard's sharpness cuts the creamy cheese.

Whisk together equal parts Dijon mustard, honey, and mayo in 2 minutes. Adjust to taste.

• Blanch beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then sauté with butter and almonds
• Toast almonds separately until golden for deeper flavor
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything

If we're making a spread with vegetable soup, this sauce fits in there too.

10. Buttermilk Biscuits

Caramelized edges and tangy glaze add savory flavor. Crispy leaves give a nice contrast to the soft sandwich.

Halve the sprouts and roast cut-side down at 425°F for golden, crispy edges. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

If You Want	Try This
Extra flakiness	Fold dough twice before cutting
Savory twist	Add shredded cheddar and chives
Sweeter option	Brush with honey butter after baking

11. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze go well with rich mains.

Extra-thick, crunchy chips bring an easy, satisfying crunch. The salt brings out the sweetness of the jam.

Serve sea salt or jalapeño chips for a little kick. No cooking-just open the bag and pile them on the plate.

Kettle chips are a quick upgrade when we have them around.

• Add a pinch of paprika for warmth
• Thin with a splash of water if it is too thick

12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A few tips:

Juicy, roasted tomatoes add acidity. Basil brings a fresh, herbal note that lightens the meal.

Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until they burst and caramelize. Toss with fresh basil right when they come out.

The heat brings out the basil's flavor without wilting it too much.

13. Kettle Chips

These tomatoes with basil disappear fast at our table.

This side also works for rotisserie chicken nights.

Chewy, salty rolls fit right in with the sandwich's indulgent feel. Their soft texture soaks up any extra sauce or jam.

• Look for thicker-cut chips for extra crunch
• Serve on the side to avoid sogginess
• Mix flavors for variety
• Pair with honey mustard for dipping

14. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil

Warm store-bought rolls in the oven for 5 minutes for a fresh-baked feel. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Pretzel rolls are a regular at our table.

• Use cherry or grape tomatoes for sweetness
• Drizzle with olive oil before roasting
• Season with flaky salt and cracked pepper

This works well for rotisserie chicken serving suggestions too.

15. Soft Pretzel Rolls

Chewy, salty rolls echo the sandwich's indulgent theme. Their soft texture soaks up any extra sauce or jam.

Warm store-bought rolls in the oven for 5 minutes for a fresh-baked feel. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.

A simple pretzel rolls dish shows up almost every week at our table.

• Serve warm for the best texture
• Brush with garlic butter for extra flavor
• Use them to soak up cranberry sauce or honey mustard
• Toast cut sides for a crispier bite