Introduction

Monte Cristo Sliders bring a delightful twist to a classic sandwich, combining savory ham, turkey, and Gruyère cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls. These bite-sized treats are baked to golden perfection and served with a dusting of powdered sugar and raspberry preserves for a perfect balance of flavors.

The image shows a sandwich cut into squares with three visible layers: the top layer is a soft golden-brown bread dusted with white powdered sugar; the middle layer has thin slices of pink ham and some melted golden cheese; the bottom layer is a light tan bread with a soft texture. The sandwich pieces are placed on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon nearby holding bright red jam with visible seeds. 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

Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides to use as handles. Lightly spray the lined dish with cooking spray.
Assemble the sliders: Keep the rolls connected and slice them horizontally as one unit. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared dish. Layer the smoked ham, turkey, and grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the rolls.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise until smooth. Pour half of this sauce evenly over the layered cheese and meats.
Finish assembly and bake: Place the top half of the rolls over the layers, pressing down gently. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and brush to spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the tops brown too quickly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Use the parchment handles to lift the sliders out onto a cutting board. Cut into individual sliders, dust generously with powdered sugar, and serve warm with raspberry preserves on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use Swiss cheese as a milder alternative to Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Try adding a thin layer of honey mustard beneath the meats for extra tang.
For a crispier top, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Make ahead by assembling the sliders and refrigerating them until ready to bake.

Storage

Store leftover Monte Cristo Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness, or microwave briefly if short on time. Avoid reheating the raspberry preserves to maintain their flavor and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows nine square sandwich pieces arranged on a white marbled surface, each piece topped with a powdery white layer of powdered sugar. Each sandwich has three visible layers: a golden-brown top bread layer, a thin pink ham layer in the middle, and another golden-brown bottom bread layer. One piece is separated from the group with a woman's hand reaching toward it. Next to the sandwiches, there is a spoon filled with red jam or jelly and a small white jar full of the same red jam. The powdered sugar is sprinkled lightly over both the sandwiches and the marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rolls for this recipe?

Yes, while sweet Hawaiian rolls offer a nice balance of sweetness and texture, you can substitute with brioche buns or soft dinner rolls depending on your preference.

Is it necessary to dust the sliders with powdered sugar?

Dusting with powdered sugar adds a traditional touch and balances the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness, but you can skip this step if you prefer a less sweet presentation.