Easy Monte Cristo Sliders (Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings)

When I think about recipes that bring a little wow factor to the table without keeping me stuck in the kitchen, these Easy Monte Cristo Sliders always come to mind. They’re sweet, savory, and melty all in one bite, and I can’t tell you how many times they’ve been the first thing to disappear at a party. There’s just something about that combination of ham, turkey, creamy cheese, raspberry preserves, and buttery rolls that makes them totally irresistible.

I love how simple these sliders are to put together, especially during the holidays when everything feels so busy. Instead of juggling multiple pans or worrying about frying like you would with a classic Monte Cristo, you can bake a whole tray of these sandwiches in the oven at once. They come out warm and golden, with gooey melted cheese and just the right touch of sweetness from the preserves. The powdered sugar on top makes them feel extra special and a little fancy without adding any extra work.

These sliders are perfect for gatherings big or small, from Christmas brunch to game day with friends. I like to cut them into smaller pieces so they’re easy to grab, and there’s never a crumb left behind. They’re also fun to serve alongside a simple fruit salad or even just some chips if you want to keep things casual. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that feels special but is actually stress free, these Monte Cristo Sliders are exactly what you need.

Ingredients

• 12 Sweet Dinner Rolls – I love using soft, pillowy rolls that bake up golden and hold all that cheesy goodness.

• 1/2 Cup Seedless Raspberry Preserves – The sweet-tart jam is what makes these sliders taste like a true Monte Cristo.

• 1/2 Pound Honey Roasted Turkey, thin sliced – The honey roasted turkey adds a savory layer with just a touch of sweetness.

• 1/2 Pound Black Forest Ham, thin sliced – The smoky ham balances everything out and makes each bite so satisfying.

• 6 slices Havarti Cheese – Havarti melts like a dream and gives the sliders that creamy, gooey texture I can’t resist.

• 1/2 Cup Melted Butter, divided into 1/4 cup portions – A little butter brushed on top makes the rolls golden and extra flavorful.

• 1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce – This adds a savory punch to the sauce and keeps the flavor from being too sweet.

• 1 Tablespoon Yellow Mustard – The mustard brings in a tangy bite that pairs so well with the ham and turkey.

• 1 Tablespoon Honey – Just a drizzle of honey in the sauce ties in perfectly with the raspberry preserves.

• 1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise – The mayo gives the sauce a creamy base that helps it spread easily on the rolls.

• 1/2 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar (optional garnish) – A light dusting of powdered sugar makes the sliders look festive and adds a hint of sweetness.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Slice rolls horizontally keeping the rolls together in one piece and place the bottom half in the bottom of prepared baking dish, set top half aside.

4. Spread raspberry preserves on top of the bottom half of the rolls.

5. Layer turkey, ham and cheese on top of jellied rolls.

6. Make a sauce in a small bowl by whisking together 1/4 cup melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey and mayonnaise.

7. Spread sauce on the inside of the top half of the rolls and place on top of the sliders in the pan.

8. Brush top of rolls with remaining melted butter.

9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and cheese is melted.

10. Dust slider tops with powdered sugar, cut into individual sliders and serve.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Monte Cristo Sliders

• I like to serve these for holiday brunch with a big bowl of fresh fruit on the side.

• They’re amazing as a game day snack since everyone can grab one and keep on cheering.

• I sometimes cut them into smaller portions for appetizer trays at parties.

• These sliders make a cozy weekend dinner when I don’t feel like cooking something complicated.

• They’re perfect to take along to potlucks because I can bake a whole pan at once and know they’ll be gone in minutes.

• I even enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day, warmed up in the oven until the cheese is melty again.

Serving & Storing

• I like to serve these sliders warm right out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and the tops are golden.

• If I’m making them for a crowd, I’ll keep them in the baking dish so everyone can grab one straight from the pan.

• Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes so they taste just as fresh as when I first made them.

• If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the rolls stay crispier if you reheat in the oven.

Variations

• Sometimes I swap the Havarti for Swiss or provolone for a slightly different flavor.

• If I don’t have raspberry preserves, I’ll use strawberry or even apricot jam for a sweet twist.

• For a little extra kick, I like to add a thin layer of Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard.

• I’ve made these with just turkey or just ham before, and they’re still delicious.

• When I want them extra indulgent, I sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the layers before baking.

• You can even try a savory-only version by skipping the preserves and powdered sugar if you want less sweetness.

Substitutions

• If I don’t have sweet dinner rolls, I’ll use Hawaiian rolls or even mini brioche buns.

• Raspberry preserves can easily be swapped with strawberry, blackberry, or any jam you already have on hand.

• Honey roasted turkey is great, but plain roasted turkey or even chicken slices work just as well.

• Black Forest ham can be replaced with honey ham, smoked ham, or any deli ham you love.

• Havarti cheese melts beautifully, but Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are all tasty options too.

• If I’m out of Worcestershire sauce, I’ll just skip it or add a tiny splash of soy sauce for that savory depth.

• Yellow mustard can be swapped with Dijon or spicy brown mustard if you like a little extra zing.

• Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or just a pinch of sugar in the sauce.

• If I don’t have mayonnaise, I’ll use sour cream or Greek yogurt for the creamy base.

FAQs

Can I make these Monte Cristo Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, I like to assemble them a few hours in advance, cover the pan with foil, and keep them in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, I just pop them in the oven and they come out perfectly.

Do I have to use powdered sugar on top?
Not at all. The sugar gives them that classic Monte Cristo touch, but they’re just as tasty without it if you prefer less sweetness.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
I pop them in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes so the rolls get warm and the cheese melts again. They reheat nicely in the microwave too, but the oven keeps the tops crispier.

Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can! I wrap the baked sliders individually in foil and freeze them. When I’m ready to enjoy, I reheat them in the oven until hot all the way through.

What sides go well with Monte Cristo Sliders?
I usually serve them with fresh fruit, a light salad, or even chips if I’m keeping things simple. They’re also great as part of a brunch spread with other finger foods.