Croque Monsieur Sliders Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Grilled Ham and Gruyere Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 4 Hawaiian rolls
• 2 large slices deli ham, cut in half
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (180C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Open the Hawaiian rolls, keeping them attached. Lay them flat on the baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and Dijon mustard. Spread the mixture over the inner sides of the rolls, on both the top and bottom.
4. Place half a slice of ham onto the bottom half of each roll, folding it as needed to fit.
5. Sprinkle each roll with a small amount of shredded Gruyere cheese.
6. Close the rolls over the filling, pressing them gently to hold everything in place.
7. Melt any remaining butter and mustard mixture. Brush it over the tops of the rolls.
8. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each roll.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and the rolls are golden brown.
10. Serve warm with additional mustard on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	255
Total Fat	15g (19% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	8g (40% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	48mg (16% Daily Value)
Sodium	571mg (25% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	17g (6% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	1g (5% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	14g (27% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium	342mg (26% Daily Value)
Iron	1mg (7% Daily Value)
Potassium	125mg (3% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information may not be available for all ingredients.

The Story Behind Croque Monsieur Sliders

The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that first appeared in Parisian cafs in the early 20th century. Its name, derived from croquer meaning to crunch and monsieur meaning mister, hints at the crunchy, toasted nature of the sandwich. Traditionally made with ham and Gruyre cheese, this simple yet elegant creation became a symbol of casual French dining, appealing to both locals and tourists. The slider version, which adapts the original into smaller, bite-sized portions, adds a modern twist that makes it perfect for appetizers or casual gatherings.

Regional Variations

While the original Croque Monsieur hails from Paris, regional adaptations exist throughout France. In the southern regions, you might find it enriched with local cheeses such as Comt or Emmental, while in Brittany, the sandwich sometimes incorporates creamy mustard sauces or even a touch of cider. The slider form, popularized in American cuisine, often uses soft Hawaiian rolls instead of traditional brioche or pain de mie, giving it a sweeter, fluffier texture that contrasts with the savory ham and melted Gruyre.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

The Croque Monsieur slider differs from other ham-and-cheese sandwiches primarily in its preparation and flavor layering. Unlike a simple grilled ham and cheese, the sandwich is brushed with a mixture of butter and Dijon mustard and topped with melted Gruyre, creating a rich, savory crust. Its sibling, the Croque Madame, is distinguished by the addition of a fried egg on top. While sliders condense these flavors into miniature portions, the essence of the classic French preparation is carefully maintained, offering both elegance and convenience.

Where Youll Typically Find It

In France, the traditional Croque Monsieur is commonly served in cafs and bistros as a light lunch or snack. The slider adaptation has gained popularity in the United States and other countries, appearing on appetizer menus in casual dining restaurants, brunch spots, and at social gatherings such as parties or holiday buffets. Its small size and combination of flavors make it ideal for sharing, pairing well with mustard or a light salad.

Interesting Facts

• The first printed mention of Croque Monsieur dates back to 1910, in a Parisian caf menu.
• The sandwich was originally considered a snack, not a full meal.
• Gruyre cheese is favored for its nutty flavor and perfect melting properties, essential for the sandwichs signature gooey texture.
• The slider version often uses Hawaiian rolls, which are not traditional in France, highlighting a creative fusion between French and American culinary styles.
• Despite its simplicity, Croque Monsieur has inspired gourmet variations with ingredients such as truffle, smoked ham, or bchamel sauce.

FAQ about Croque Monsieur Sliders Recipe