Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure the rolls don’t stick to the bottom.
2. Slice the Rolls Without pulling the individual rolls apart, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half into your prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the Goodness Spread a generous, even layer of raspberry preserves over the bottom half of the rolls. Layer the ham and turkey over the jam. Top the meat with the slices of Swiss cheese, overlapping them so every bite gets some melty cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
4. Whisk the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
5. Glaze and Marinate Slowly pour the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Use a pastry brush to make sure the sides and tops are completely coated. If you have time, let them sit for 10 minutes to soak up the butter, but you can also bake them immediately.
6. Bake to Perfection Cover the dish with aluminum foil (this prevents the tops from browning too quickly while the cheese melts). Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. The Magic Touch Remove from the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Use a sifter to generously dust the tops with powdered sugar.
Pro-Tips for Success
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Don’t Skimp on the Jam: The contrast between the salty ham and the tart raspberry is what makes this a “Monte Cristo.” If you aren’t a fan of raspberry, blackberry jam is a fantastic alternative.
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Prevent Soggy Bottoms: If you’re worried about the bottom of the rolls getting too soft, you can lightly toast the bottom “slab” in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
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The Turkey Factor: While traditional Monte Cristos are often just ham, adding turkey provides a great depth of flavor and makes the sliders more filling.
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Serving: These are best served hot and fresh. Serve them with a small bowl of warmed raspberry preserves on the side for those who want an extra sweet kick!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches (minus the butter glaze) up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge. Add the butter glaze right before you pop them in the oven.
Can I use a different cheese? Swiss is the classic choice, but Provolone or Havarti are excellent substitutes if you prefer a milder flavor or a better “cheese pull.”
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 325°F to keep the bread from getting soggy.
