Sweet Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches

This hearty Monte Cristo Sliders recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a party-friendly format that's perfect for feeding a crowd. The sweet Hawaiian rolls create the perfect base for layers of savory meats and cheese, while the powdered sugar topping and raspberry jam dipping sauce bring that signature Monte Cristo sweet-and-savory combination.

I first made these for a Super Bowl party and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. My brother in law who claims to hate sweet and savory combinations ended up eating four of them and asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls the perfect foundation with their slight sweetness that complements the savory fillings
• Deli ham choose a good quality ham for the best flavor profile
• Turkey breast opt for freshly sliced from the deli counter rather than prepackaged
• Swiss cheese the traditional cheese for Monte Cristos that melts beautifully
• Unsalted butter creates a rich golden top when baked
• Large egg helps bind the topping mixture and adds richness
• Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth that balances the sweetness
• Confectioners sugar the signature dusting that makes a Monte Cristo special
• Raspberry preserves the traditional sweet dipping accompaniment look for preserves with whole fruit pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat fully. While waiting prepare a 9x13 baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking. This size pan is perfect for a standard package of rolls.

Prepare the Rolls

Take your package of Hawaiian rolls and using a serrated knife slice horizontally through the entire package creating one large top piece and one large bottom piece. Keep the rolls connected for easier assembly. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

Layer the Fillings

Start by arranging turkey slices evenly across the bottom half of rolls. Follow with a layer of ham ensuring complete coverage. Finish with Swiss cheese slices overlapping slightly if needed to cover the entire surface. The layering order matters as the cheese will melt and help hold everything together.

Create the Topping Mixture

In a medium bowl combine the melted unsalted butter with a beaten egg and Dijon mustard. Whisk until fully incorporated and smooth. This mixture will create a flavorful golden crust on top of the rolls.

Assemble and Coat

Place the top half of the rolls back onto the filled bottom half. Using a pastry brush or spoon pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Make sure to get the sides and any crevices for maximum flavor.

Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. If you notice the tops browning too quickly loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the insides to heat through.

Finish and Serve

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the sliders set up. Dust the tops generously with confectioners sugar using a fine mesh sieve for even distribution. Serve warm with small bowls of raspberry preserves for dipping.

Save

The first time I made these I was skeptical about the powdered sugar and jam combination with ham and cheese. It seemed strange but my grandmother always said a true Monte Cristo needs that sweet contrast. She was absolutely right the powdered sugar transforms these from good to unforgettable.

Make-Ahead Instructions

These sliders work beautifully as a make-ahead dish. You can assemble everything up to the point of adding the butter mixture then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature add the butter mixture and bake as directed. This makes them perfect for parties when you want to minimize day of preparation.

Serving Suggestions

While these sliders are traditionally served with raspberry jam they also pair wonderfully with other accompaniments. Try serving them alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwiches. For brunch offerings serve with fresh fruit and a mimosa for an elevated experience. I like to slice them into individual sliders before bringing them to the table as they tend to be easier for guests to handle.

Historical Context

The Monte Cristo sandwich is an American variation of the French Croque Monsieur that gained popularity in the 1950s. Disney's Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square made the sandwich famous by featuring it on their menu where it became a must try item for visitors. This slider version maintains all the beloved elements of the original while making it more approachable for modern entertaining. The combination of sweet and savory elements reflects the French influence on American cuisine.

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Monte Cristo Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour the butter mixture over the top and bake, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since they'll be cold from the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?

If Hawaiian sweet rolls aren't available, you can substitute brioche slider buns, potato rolls, or any soft dinner rolls. The sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls complements the savory-sweet profile of Monte Cristos, but other soft rolls will work well too.

→ Is there a good alternative to raspberry preserves?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional for Monte Cristos, you can serve these with strawberry preserves, blackberry jam, or even apricot preserves. For a less sweet option, cranberry sauce works wonderfully too.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. For best results, cover with foil to prevent over-browning. You can also microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds.

→ Can I make these Monte Cristo Sliders without powdered sugar?

Yes, the powdered sugar is optional though it's a signature element of traditional Monte Cristos. If you prefer a purely savory version, you can omit the powdered sugar entirely and still enjoy these delicious sliders with or without the raspberry jam.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

These sliders pair beautifully with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, potato chips, or french fries. For a brunch setting, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light soup. The sweet-savory profile of Monte Cristos makes them versatile enough to complement many side dishes.