Monte Cristo Ham Sliders

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Golden, buttery, and stuffed with layers of ham, melted cheese, and sweet jam, these Monte Cristo Ham Sliders are a decadent twist on the classic sandwich. Perfectly sized for parties or weekend brunch spreads, they combine savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors in a way that’s irresistible from the very first bite. Topped with a buttery glaze and a light dusting of powdered sugar, each bite gives you the nostalgia of a diner favorite wrapped in slider form.

What makes these sliders a standout is how quickly they come together without sacrificing indulgence. Whether you’re serving them as part of a breakfast-for-dinner menu or offering them up at a gathering, they always disappear fast. Soft rolls absorb all that buttery topping while crisping just slightly around the edges in the oven. That balance of texture is what brings this simple idea to life.

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What Kind of Ham Should I Use?

Go for deli-sliced smoked or honey ham for the best flavor and texture. It adds a salty, savory backbone to the sliders that contrasts beautifully with the sweet jam and rich cheese. Avoid thick slices, as they can overpower the soft roll texture. Instead, thin shavings create better layer distribution and easier bites.

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Ingredients for the Monte Cristo Ham Sliders

Slider Rolls – Soft Hawaiian rolls or buttery dinner rolls work best. They crisp beautifully without getting too dry.

Ham – Choose thinly sliced deli ham, preferably smoked or honey-glazed for added flavor depth.

Swiss or Gruyère Cheese – Melt-friendly cheeses that bring a slightly nutty richness.

Raspberry or Strawberry Jam – A touch of sweetness elevates the savory and makes the sliders true Monte Cristos.

Butter – Used in the topping glaze to toast and enrich the rolls.

Dijon Mustard – Adds a touch of tang to balance the sweetness of the jam.

Powdered Sugar – A light dusting at the end mimics the diner-style Monte Cristo vibe.

Chives (optional) – For a fresh, green garnish to brighten the dish.

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How To Make the Monte Cristo Ham Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the rolls, slice the entire pack in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.

Step 2: Add Jam and Ham

Spread a generous layer of raspberry or strawberry jam across the bottom half. Layer on the sliced ham evenly over the jam, folding as needed for volume.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Top the ham with slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese. Be sure to cover all corners so every slider melts uniformly.

Step 4: Close and Glaze

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. In a small saucepan, melt butter with Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Finish with a Dusting

Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for 5 minutes. Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives if using. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.

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Serving and Storing Your Monte Cristo Ham Sliders

These sliders are best served fresh from the oven when the cheese is gooey and the tops are still crisp. They work beautifully as part of a brunch spread, holiday appetizer tray, or even as a main for a casual dinner. Pair them with a light salad or a fruit platter for balance.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. Microwaving is an option, but you’ll lose the texture on the tops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Make sure not to overdo the jam and bake uncovered for the last several minutes. This helps the tops stay crispy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the butter glaze, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the glaze just before baking.

What other jams can I use?

Apricot, blackberry, or fig jam all pair well with ham and cheese.

Are there cheese alternatives?

You can sub provolone, white cheddar, or even brie for a different twist.

Can I freeze them?

It’s best not to freeze fully assembled sliders. However, you can freeze the baked ham and cheese part, then reheat and glaze later.

Do I have to use powdered sugar?

Not at all—it adds a sweet contrast, but feel free to skip or serve it on the side.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

You might also like the Cheeseburger Sliders, a crowd-pleasing classic layered with seasoned beef and gooey cheese. Or try Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers if you’re in the mood for something crispy and cheesy.

For warm, buttery bites, the Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheesebombs offer a savory punch in each mouthful. And if you enjoy sweet-savory combinations, the Mississippi Sin Quiche adds a creamy twist to the brunch table.

Prefer finger food with crunch? The Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Recipe brings crispy tang and heat in one poppable snack.

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You can save this to your appetizer or party boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go sweet with raspberry or mix it up with fig jam? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious what tweaks you try!

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