Introduction

Monte Cristo Bites are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining layers of savory ham, turkey, and melted Gruyère cheese inside soft Hawaiian rolls. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these bite-sized sliders are perfect for parties or a special snack served with sweet raspberry preserves.

A close-up of a sandwich piece shows four layers sitting on a white marbled surface dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The bottom layer is a soft, light golden bread slice, followed by a thick layer of juicy white turkey meat with a smooth texture. Above the turkey is a layer of pink ham, thinly sliced and slightly folded. The top layer is melted cheese with a golden-brown toasted crust dusted generously with white powdered sugar. In the foreground, a spoon holds a thick, dark red jam with visible seeds, adding contrast to the soft sandwich layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package Sweet Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (12-count)
½ pound deli sliced smoked ham
½ pound deli sliced smoked roasted turkey
½ pound Gruyère cheese (hand grated)
1 stick salted butter (melted)
1 egg (beaten)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Raspberry preserves, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving enough overhang to lift out the sliders easily. Lightly coat the lined dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Keep the rolls connected and slice them horizontally as one unit without separating individual rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared dish.
Step 3: Evenly layer the ham, turkey, and grated Gruyère cheese over the bottom half of the rolls.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise until smooth. Pour half of this sauce evenly over the layered meats and cheese.
Step 5: Place the top half of the rolls over the layered ingredients, pressing down gently. Pour the remaining sauce over the tops and brush to distribute it evenly.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Lift the entire batch out using the parchment handles and transfer to a cutting board.
Step 8: Cut into individual sliders and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm with raspberry preserves on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a thin layer of honey mustard between the meat and cheese layers.
Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or cheddar cheese if preferred.
If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top before baking for an aromatic touch.

Storage

Store leftover Monte Cristo Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich with three clear layers: the top layer is a soft, golden-brown bread dusted with white powdered sugar; the middle layer shows creamy, pale beige peanut butter spread evenly; below it, there is a vibrant red raspberry jam with visible seeds, oozing from the sandwich edges. The sandwich is partially bitten, revealing the inside textures clearly. The background is a white marbled texture with a glass jar of red jam blurred in the back, and a silver spoon holding some jam lies at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders the night before and refrigerate them covered. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of raspberry preserves?

If you don’t have raspberry preserves, strawberry or apricot jam are tasty alternatives that complement the savory flavors well.