Why not make France’s most famous sandwich a slider? A Croque Monsieur is essentially a ham and cheese sandwich fried with garlic and mustard. Croque monsieur sliders are awesome because they combine classic flavors and are easy to snack on at parties or homegates—especially for a French Open homegate. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings for extra deliciousness! If you want to make them Croque Madame sliders, just add some fried eggs.
Croque Monsieur Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 12 Slices Deli Ham
- 6 Slices Swiss Cheese
Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Milk
- Salt
- 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
To Finish
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 2 Cloves Garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic presser
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F/190˚C. Slice the rolls in half. Fold one slice of ham and one slice of cheese and place on eacg bottom bun.
- To make the sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook 1-2 minutes on low heat, do NOT brown. Add milk and whisk to remove lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil for about 2 minutes while whisking to prevent burning, then remove from the heat.
- Add to the butter mixture the Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. Spread the sauce over the ham and cheese then put the bun tops on.
- Bake for 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are light brown. Place the butter and garlic in a small microwave-safe ramekin and microwave in 30-second increments until the butter is melted. Pour over the top right before serving and enjoy!
🧀 Croque Monsieur Sliders FAQ
If you’re looking to bring a touch of French flair to your next tailgate, Croque Monsieur sliders are the way to go. They combine classic comfort—melty cheese, savory ham, and creamy sauce—with the grab-and-go ease every tailgater loves. Below, we’re answering the most common questions to help you make these bite-sized beauties perfectly every time.
What’s the difference between a Croque Madame and a Croque Monsieur?
Both are French café staples, but the Croque Madame takes it one step further by topping the sandwich with a fried egg. The Croque Monsieur, on the other hand, skips the egg and focuses on layers of ham, melted cheese (usually Gruyère), and creamy béchamel sauce.
At a tailgate, Croque Monsieur sliders are a crowd-pleaser because they’re easier to prep, serve, and transport—no runny yolks to worry about! But if you’re tailgating for brunch, a few fried or poached eggs on top can turn them into mini Madames for early-morning kickoff vibes.
What are common Croque Monsieur mistakes?
One of the biggest mistakes is skimping on the sauce or cheese. The béchamel and Gruyère are what give this slider its rich flavor and gooey texture. Another mistake is not toasting the bread before assembling, which can lead to soggy bottoms—especially if you’re prepping ahead for a tailgate.
Tailgating tip: Toast your slider rolls lightly at home and assemble everything just before heating on your portable grill or in a foil pan over a camp stove. This helps keep the texture crispy and satisfying.
What kind of cheese is best for sliders?
For a Croque Monsieur, Gruyère is the traditional choice—it melts beautifully and adds that signature nutty flavor. Emmental or Swiss cheese are great backups that are easier to find and still deliver the same melty magic.
If you’re feeding a crowd with mixed tastes, try mixing in a bit of sharp white cheddar for added depth. And for a tailgating shortcut, shredded cheese melts faster than sliced, making it easier to serve up hot, cheesy sliders in minutes.
What is added to a Croque Monsieur?
A traditional Croque Monsieur includes ham, béchamel sauce, and cheese, but you can easily give it a tailgating twist. Add Dijon mustard for a bit of tang, or layer in crispy bacon for extra smoky flavor.
If you’re planning an all-day tailgate, make a few variations—classic ham and cheese for the purists, bacon and cheddar for the grill crowd, or even turkey and Swiss for a lighter option. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing between plays.
Croque Monsieur sliders bring gourmet flavor to game day without the fuss. They’re rich, portable, and perfect for making in batches. Whether you stick to the French classic or put your own spin on it, these mini sandwiches are sure to score big with your crew.
Love sandwiches? Then you’re going to want to try our Masters egg salad sandwich recipe—creamy, tangy, and delicious, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for any tailgate.
