Monte Cristo Sliders

Monte Cristo sandwiches have always been one of my favorites. I love the way the sweet jam pairs with the savory layers of meat and cheese. These Monte Cristo Sliders are a fun and easy twist on the classic sandwich, and using Hawaiian rolls adds an extra touch of sweetness that works perfectly with the filling.

A traditional Monte Cristo is usually made with ham and cheese, dipped in an egg batter, and then pan-fried or deep-fried. It is almost like a savory French toast sandwich. With this slider version, there is no frying involved, which makes them much easier to prepare for a crowd.

Instead of dipping each sandwich into an egg mixture, the tops of the sliders are brushed with a flavorful egg mixture before they go into the oven. As they bake, the rolls become warm and golden while the cheese melts and the filling heats through.

You still get all of the classic Monte Cristo flavors in these sliders. They are layered with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, along with a little Dijon mustard spread on the Hawaiian rolls for an extra tangy bite.

Before serving, give the tops a light dusting of powdered sugar and serve the sliders with your favorite jam on the side for dipping. Raspberry or strawberry jam both work beautifully and add that sweet finish that makes a Monte Cristo so delicious.

These Monte Cristo Sliders are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for brunch, lunch, parties, or game day. They are a simple way to enjoy everything you love about a classic Monte Cristo in a warm, shareable slider.

Ingredients for Monte Cristo Sliders

• HAWAIIAN ROLLS – Hawaiian rolls provide a soft, slightly sweet base for the sliders. Their sweetness pairs especially well with the savory meats, Swiss cheese, and tangy Dijon mustard.
• DELI HAM – Thinly sliced deli ham adds the salty, savory flavor you expect in a classic Monte Cristo sandwich. Thin slices are best because they layer easily and heat quickly in the oven.
• DELI TURKEY – Turkey adds another layer of savory flavor while keeping the sliders hearty. It pairs nicely with the ham without overpowering the other ingredients.
• BABY SWISS CHEESE – Baby Swiss melts smoothly and adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It is a little milder than traditional Swiss, making it a great choice with the ham, turkey, and sweet rolls.
• DIJON MUSTARD – Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that helps balance the richness of the meat and cheese and the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
• EGG – The egg is used in the mixture brushed over the sliders before baking. It helps give the tops a golden finish and adds a little of the classic egg-battered flavor associated with a traditional Monte Cristo.
• BUTTER – Melted butter adds richness and helps the tops of the rolls become golden and flavorful as they bake.
• POWDERED SUGAR – A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the sliders the classic sweet-and-savory Monte Cristo finish. Add it just before serving.
• STRAWBERRY OR RASPBERRY JAM – Jam provides the sweet, fruity contrast that makes a Monte Cristo so distinctive. Serve it on the side for dipping so everyone can add as much as they like.

Instructions for Monte Cristo Sliders

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Without separating the Hawaiian rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally so you have one solid top and one solid bottom. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.

Spread Dijon mustard over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls.

Layer half of the Swiss cheese over the bottom rolls. Top with the sliced ham, followed by the sliced turkey, then add the remaining Swiss cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back over the filling.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while continuing to whisk until the mixture is well combined. Brush the egg and butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.

Loosely cover the baking dish with foil, making sure the foil does not touch the tops of the rolls. If needed, use a few toothpicks to keep the foil slightly elevated.

Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then cut them apart with a serrated knife. Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar.

Serve warm with strawberry or raspberry jam on the side for dipping. Makes 4 servings as a main dish or 12 sliders as an appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Monte Cristo Sliders ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. For best results, brush on the egg and butter mixture just before baking.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes. Swiss is traditional, but provolone, Muenster, or even a mild cheddar can work well if you prefer a different flavor.

Do I have to use both ham and turkey?
No. You can use just ham, just turkey, or another favorite deli meat. Using both gives the sliders a more classic Monte Cristo flavor.

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes. Any soft pull-apart dinner rolls will work, but Hawaiian rolls add a nice touch of sweetness that pairs well with the savory filling.

Why do I need to cover the sliders with foil at first?
The foil helps the filling heat through and the cheese melt without letting the tops brown too quickly.

How do I keep the foil from sticking to the rolls?
Tent the foil loosely over the baking dish or use a few toothpicks to hold it above the rolls.

Can I leave off the Dijon mustard?
Yes. You can skip it or replace it with honey mustard if you prefer something milder or slightly sweeter.

Can I skip the powdered sugar?
Yes. The powdered sugar adds the classic Monte Cristo sweet-and-savory finish, but the sliders are still delicious without it.

How do I know when the sliders are done?
The tops should be golden brown, the cheese should be melted, and the centers should be heated through.

How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer so the rolls stay a little crisp instead of becoming soft.

Tips and Tricks

• Keep the rolls connected while slicing. Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally instead of separating each roll. This makes the sliders much faster to assemble and keeps the layers even.
• Layer cheese on both sides of the meat. Placing cheese below and above the ham and turkey helps hold the filling together as it melts and gives every slider plenty of cheesy flavor.
• Add the egg-butter mixture slowly. Whisk the egg while gradually drizzling in the melted butter so the mixture stays smooth instead of separating.
• Cover loosely with foil at first. Tent the foil so it does not touch the tops of the rolls. This allows the filling to heat through and the cheese to melt before the tops become too brown.
• Add powdered sugar just before serving. Wait until the sliders are baked and slightly cooled before dusting them with powdered sugar. Serve the jam on the side so the rolls stay crisp and everyone can add as much sweetness as they like.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Turkey Pesto Sliders
• Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sliders
• Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders
• Sloppy Sliders

Recipe is adapted from Yellow Bliss Road.