Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders – Easy & Irresistible Brunch Recipe
Looking for a brunch dish that’s sweet, savory, melty, and just a little bit indulgent? Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders are your perfect answer. Inspired by the classic Monte Cristo sandwich—usually a ham and cheese sandwich that’s dipped in egg batter and fried—this recipe reimagines it in mini slider form with a delicious breakfast twist.
Layered with deli ham, crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty Swiss or cheddar cheese between buttery Hawaiian rolls, then brushed with a sweet egg wash and baked until golden, these sliders are perfect for everything from lazy Sunday brunches to holiday mornings or feeding a hungry weekend crowd.
Why You’ll Love Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders
- Sweet + Savory Combo: The pairing of salty meat and cheese with buttery rolls and a dusting of powdered sugar is surprisingly magical.
- Perfect for Brunch or Breakfast-for-Dinner: These sliders are great anytime you want something hearty and crowd-pleasing.
- Quick to Assemble: No frying or flipping needed—just layer, bake, and serve.
- Feeds a Crowd: Makes 12 delicious mini sandwiches in one go.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sliders:
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 slices deli ham (or turkey)
- 6 strips cooked bacon (or breakfast sausage patties)
- 6 large eggs, scrambled
- 6 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, provolone, or Gruyère)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
For the Egg Wash & Topping:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Raspberry preserves or maple syrup for dipping
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or Dijon mustard (if using) on the bottom rolls.
Layer in this order:
- Slices of deli ham
- Cooked scrambled eggs (seasoned with salt & pepper)
- Bacon strips
- Slices of cheese
Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Wash
In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, milk, melted butter, and maple syrup. Add cinnamon if you like a sweet French-toast-style touch.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of the sliders generously with the egg wash mixture. Let the remaining wash drip between the buns for a custardy texture.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and set.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Slice into individual sliders and serve with warm raspberry preserves or maple syrup on the side for dipping.
Delicious Variations
- Monte Cristo Croissant Sliders: Use halved mini croissants for a flakier twist.
- Spicy Version: Add a layer of pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slices.
- Turkey Melt Style: Swap the ham for roasted turkey and use cranberry sauce as a dip.
- Make It Meatless: Leave out the ham/bacon and add spinach and sautéed mushrooms.
- Sweet Tooth Version: Add a thin layer of raspberry jam inside and skip mustard.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Sliders
- Perfect for Brunch Buffets: Serve alongside fruit salad, breakfast potatoes, and mimosas.
- Great for Holidays: Ideal for Easter, Christmas morning, or Mother’s Day brunch.
- As a Main Dish: Add a green salad or roasted veggies on the side for a balanced breakfast-for-dinner.
- For On-the-Go: Wrap individually and reheat for a delicious portable breakfast.
Tips for Success
- Cook Eggs Soft: Don’t overcook your scrambled eggs—they’ll continue baking in the oven.
- Seal Edges Lightly: Press down gently before baking to help fillings stay put.
- Add More Cheese: Cheese helps “glue” the layers together—don’t be shy!
- Use Foil First: Keeps the tops from burning before the inside is cooked through.
- Let Them Rest: Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
- Freeze: Wrap each slider in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Slider, Approximate)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
FAQs
Can I make these the night before?
Yes! Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash and bake the next morning.
Can I make these without eggs in the wash?
You can skip the egg wash, but it adds that Monte Cristo “French toast” vibe. Try brushing with butter and maple syrup instead.
What’s the best cheese for Monte Cristo sliders?
Swiss is traditional, but cheddar, Havarti, or Gruyère also work beautifully.
How can I keep them warm for a brunch party?
Place the baked sliders in a warm oven (around 200°F) and loosely tent with foil until ready to serve.
Do these taste good cold?
They’re best warm, but leftovers are still tasty cold or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Monte Cristo Breakfast Sliders are the kind of dish that turns any ordinary morning into something special. With their irresistible mix of salty, sweet, and cheesy flavors wrapped in soft, buttery rolls, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—whether you’re hosting a big brunch or just want something different for a cozy weekend breakfast. Bake up a batch and watch them disappear faster than you can say “more syrup, please!”
