Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders: the ultimate brunch upgrade you didn’t know you needed! Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown slider, the sweetness of raspberry jam mingling with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between perfectly toasted Hawaiian rolls. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for more.

The Monte Cristo sandwich, a culinary cousin of the French croque monsieur, has a fascinating history. Often attributed to early 20th-century American restaurants, it gained popularity as a decadent and satisfying meal. Our Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders take that classic indulgence and transform it into a fun, shareable, and utterly irresistible breakfast or brunch option.

What makes these sliders so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the creamy cheese against the salty ham, and the soft, slightly sweet bread. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient to make! Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends or simply want to treat yourself to something special on a weekend morning, these Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss!

Ingredients:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 8 ounces thinly sliced ham
• 4 ounces thinly sliced turkey breast
• 4 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
• Strawberry jam, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prepare the egg mixture that will give our Monte Cristo sliders that classic, custardy texture. This is a crucial step, so pay close attention!

1. In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs. Make sure you don’t get any shell fragments in there!
2. Add the 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the bowl with the eggs. The heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute with more milk if you prefer a lighter version.
3. Now, add the 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. This might seem like a small amount, but it adds a wonderful tang that balances the sweetness of the rolls and the richness of the cheese and ham. Don’t skip it!
4. Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, but remember that the ham and cheese are already salty, so don’t overdo it.
5. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. You want to make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and there are no streaks of yolk or white. A good whisking will also help to aerate the mixture, which will result in a lighter and fluffier final product.
6. Set the egg mixture aside for now. We’ll need it later when we assemble the sliders.

Assembling the Sliders:

Now comes the fun part – building our Monte Cristo masterpieces! This is where we layer all those delicious ingredients between the sweet rolls.

1. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer. Try to keep the layers as even as possible.
2. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom half of the rolls. This adds a nice zing and helps to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.
3. Now, layer the ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and Gruyere cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. I like to alternate the ham and turkey for a nice visual appeal. Make sure the cheese is distributed evenly so that every slider gets a good amount of cheesy goodness.
4. Place the top half of the rolls over the layered ingredients. Gently press down to secure the sliders.

Soaking and Cooking the Sliders:

This is where the magic happens! Soaking the sliders in the egg mixture and then cooking them in butter is what gives them that signature Monte Cristo flavor and texture.

1. Carefully slice the assembled slab of rolls into individual sliders. This will make it easier to soak them evenly in the egg mixture.
2. Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish or baking pan. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate all the sliders.
3. One at a time, gently dip each slider into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Don’t soak them for too long, or they will become too soggy. A few seconds per side should be sufficient.
4. Heat the 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the sliders without overcrowding.
5. Carefully place the soaked sliders into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Be careful not to burn them! Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
6. If you want to ensure the cheese is completely melted and the inside is heated through, you can cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute or two of cooking.

Finishing Touches and Serving:

Almost there! Now for the final touches that will elevate these sliders to Monte Cristo perfection.

1. Remove the cooked sliders from the skillet and place them on a serving platter.
2. Dust the sliders generously with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look extra appealing.
3. Serve the sliders immediately while they are still warm and the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. Optional: Serve with maple syrup and/or strawberry jam for dipping. These are classic accompaniments to a Monte Cristo sandwich and add a delicious sweet and savory contrast.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your Monte Cristo sliders? Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Havarti, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious.
• Meat Variations: Use different types of meat, such as roast beef, pastrami, or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ham and turkey with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a little bit of heat.
• Savory Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the egg mixture for an earthy flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
• Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the sliders instead of cooking them in a skillet. Place the soaked sliders in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders as much as I do! They are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders are truly a game-changer for your brunch routine. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness is simply irresistible. From the crispy, golden-brown exterior to the warm, melty interior, every bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

But why are these sliders a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, they’re incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, a quick and satisfying breakfast on the go, or even a fun and unique appetizer for your next gathering. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – I’ve never met anyone who could resist these little bundles of joy!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and customizing these Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders. For a classic presentation, dust them with powdered sugar and serve with a side of raspberry jam for dipping. The tartness of the jam perfectly complements the richness of the sliders.

Want to take things up a notch? Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere or Swiss cheese would be fantastic alternatives to the traditional Swiss.

For a heartier meal, serve the sliders with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the sliders for an extra layer of flavor.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whole wheat bread or even mini croissants instead of the Hawaiian rolls. You can also reduce the amount of butter used for frying.

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and turkey and add some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. You could also add some spinach or arugula for a boost of nutrients.

These sliders are also great for meal prepping. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version of these Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about having fun and making something that you love!

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and get ready to experience the magic of these incredible sliders.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please give these Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders a try. Once you do, come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served them with, and most importantly, how much you enjoyed them! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!