Croque Monsieur Sliders are a bite-sized twist on the traditional French sandwich, perfect for brunch or light meals. Made with King’s Hawaiian® Sweet Dinner Rolls, creamy béchamel sauce, ham, and Gruyère cheese, these sliders are baked until golden and bubbling. They’re quick to make, and you can prepare them in advance, making them an ideal party or brunch dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/4 cups milk

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 8 King’s Hawaiian® Sweet Dinner Rolls

• 8 slices thinly shaved ham

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (divided)

Directions

1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes until pale and foamy. Slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth. Let the béchamel simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the salt and pepper.

2. Assemble the Sliders:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread béchamel sauce on the insides of both the tops and bottoms of the rolls. Place a slice of ham on each bottom half, then top with 1 cup of Gruyère cheese. Close the rolls and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

3. Bake:
   Bake the sliders for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

4. Serve:
   Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 350 per slider (depending on portion size)

• Protein: 15g

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Sugar: 5g

These Croque Monsieur Sliders are a great combination of savory ham, melted Gruyère, and creamy béchamel sauce, perfect for brunch or any gathering!

The Origins of Croque Monsieur

The Croque Monsieur is a classic French dish that dates back to the early 1900s. The sandwich consists of ham and cheese, typically Gruyère, nestled between slices of bread, which are then coated in a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown. Its name, “Croque Monsieur,” roughly translates to “Crispy Mister,” referring to the crunchy, toasted exterior of the sandwich.

The sandwich is a popular choice in French cafes, often enjoyed for lunch or a light dinner. Over time, variations of the dish have emerged, including the Croque Madame, which is similar but topped with a fried egg. The Croque Monsieur has become an iconic part of French cuisine, known for its rich flavors and indulgent texture. The slider version brings the same luxurious taste in a more accessible, bite-sized format, perfect for a variety of occasions.

The Secret to the Perfect Béchamel Sauce

The béchamel sauce is an essential component of the Croque Monsieur and plays a key role in bringing together the flavors of the ham and cheese. Made from a simple mixture of butter, flour, and milk, béchamel is a velvety, creamy sauce that adds richness and depth to the sandwich. The flour is first cooked with butter to form a roux, and then milk is gradually whisked in to create a smooth, thickened sauce. A brief simmer allows the sauce to reach the perfect consistency, which is then seasoned with salt and pepper.

In the case of Croque Monsieur Sliders, the béchamel sauce is spread generously on both the top and bottom of the King’s Hawaiian rolls, ensuring that every bite is rich and flavorful. The creamy sauce also helps bind the other ingredients together, preventing the sliders from becoming too dry and ensuring that the cheese melts perfectly.

The Importance of King’s Hawaiian® Sweet Dinner Rolls

One of the standout features of these Croque Monsieur Sliders is the use of King’s Hawaiian® Sweet Dinner Rolls. These soft, slightly sweet rolls provide the perfect balance to the savory ham and cheese filling. The sweetness of the rolls enhances the overall flavor of the sliders, giving them a unique twist on the traditional Croque Monsieur sandwich. The rolls are also soft enough to soak up the béchamel sauce without becoming soggy, while still maintaining their structure when baked.

King’s Hawaiian® rolls are known for their tender, fluffy texture and slightly sweet taste, which makes them an ideal choice for these sliders. The slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the salty ham and the rich, creamy cheese, creating a delicious contrast that makes each bite irresistible.

Assembling the Sliders: Layering Flavors

Assembling these sliders is simple and quick, making them a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings. The King’s Hawaiian rolls are sliced in half, and the inside of each roll is spread with the homemade béchamel sauce. A slice of ham is placed on the bottom half of each roll, followed by a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese. The rolls are then closed, and more Gruyère cheese is sprinkled on top, ensuring a gooey, melty finish when baked.

Gruyère cheese is the traditional choice for Croque Monsieur due to its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting qualities. It adds richness and depth to the sliders, complementing the creamy béchamel sauce and the savory ham. The combination of these three ingredients—ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel—creates a well-balanced, flavorful filling that is sure to satisfy.

Baking the Sliders: Perfecting the Golden Finish

The Croque Monsieur Sliders are baked in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown. The high heat helps to toast the King’s Hawaiian rolls, creating a crisp, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey. The béchamel sauce adds a creamy texture that helps to bind everything together, preventing the sliders from falling apart during baking.

As the sliders bake, the cheese begins to bubble and turn golden, creating a beautiful, appetizing finish. The result is a batch of sliders that are golden and crispy on the outside, with a creamy, melty filling on the inside. The sliders are easy to prepare and quick to bake, making them a perfect dish for busy gatherings or brunch parties.

Serving Croque Monsieur Sliders

Once baked, the sliders should be allowed to cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the cheese and béchamel sauce time to set slightly, making the sliders easier to handle and eat. Serve them warm, and for added presentation, you can sprinkle a little extra Gruyère cheese on top for an extra layer of indulgence.

Croque Monsieur Sliders are ideal for a variety of occasions. They make a great addition to a brunch spread, offering a savory option that complements sweeter items like fruit and pastries. They also make an excellent appetizer for dinner parties or a fun snack for movie nights. Because the sliders are small and easy to handle, they’re perfect for parties where guests can enjoy them without the need for utensils.

Conclusion

Croque Monsieur Sliders are a delicious, bite-sized take on the classic French sandwich, offering the perfect balance of savory flavors in a convenient format. The use of King’s Hawaiian® Sweet Dinner Rolls adds a delightful sweetness that complements the rich béchamel sauce, savory ham, and melted Gruyère cheese. These sliders are easy to prepare, quick to bake, and can even be made in advance, making them an ideal dish for brunch, parties, or light meals. With their golden, crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful filling, these sliders are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a casual evening at home, Croque Monsieur Sliders are the perfect addition to any menu.