Funeral Sandwiches
Whether you're attending a wake or sending a sympathy meal, these funeral sandwiches are a good recipe to have in times of need.
There's nothing mournful about this delicious sandwich recipe. Funeral Sandwiches are ham and cheese baked sandwiches that are perfect as an appetizer or lunchtime meal. It will take you just five minutes to assemble the sandwiches, and they only bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are perfectly browned. You'll never want to make a boring deli sandwich again after trying this delicious ham sandwich recipe.
And, the best part about these Funeral Sandwiches is that you can make them for any potluck occasion. While they're comforting enough to make as a sympathy meal, they're also tasty enough to serve at a holiday party. This might just be the ultimate potluck recipe.
Why are these popular party sandwiches?
We're always interested in how certain recipes become so popular. What is it about funeral sandwiches, or Hawaiian roll sandwiches, that make them great at a party?
To begin with, they are super easy and quick to make. Whether you have unexpected guests or a last-minute event, you can find the time to make a batch of funeral sandwiches. You might have the ingredients on hand, and if not that can be easily solved with a quick trip to the grocery store. No fancy ingredients needed!
These sandwiches also cook quickly and travel well. You make them in a casserole dish, so transporting them from the oven to your destination is a snap. These sandwiches reheat well, and some people even enjoy them cold! Just be sure to practice good food safety and don't let them sit out for too long on a buffet. The same goes for all party or sympathy foods.
The final reason why these sandwiches make such a good party recipe? They taste delicious! Everyone will love the gooey, cheesy, comforting flavor of these sandwiches. It doesn't hurt that they're made with quite a bit of butter, so they taste rich and indulgent. They're definitely a crowd pleaser.
Funeral Sandwiches Recipe
Serves12
Preparation Time5 min
Cooking Time15 min
Cooking Vessel Size7 x 10 x 3-inch deep bake dish
Type of DishSandwich
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon style mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of onion powder
Instructions
-
Spray a 7 x 10 x 3-inch deep bake dish with cooking spray.
-
Remove rolls from the packaging and slice them horizontally in half. Place the bottom half into the prepared bake dish. Layer ham and cheese evenly over the base, then re-position tops.
-
Combine butter, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar and onion powder. Mix well and pour over the rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight (or a minimum of 4 hours).
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, uncovered, and serve while warm.
Variation: Funeral Sandwiches with a Tropical Twist
Try adding a little sweetness to these sandwiches!
Make Tropical King's Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches by adding half a slice of pineapple to each sandwich. Do this at the same time that you add the ham and cheese, and then bake everything together as usual. The pineapple will be delicious with the ham and Swiss cheese!
You will need about 1 20-ounce can of sliced pineapple in order to adapt this entire recipe.
Up Next:
Read NextMake Ahead Ham and Cheese Sliders
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Morehouse17
Sep 30, 2017
I think sometimes the title of things throws people off. I must admit I had to click into the recipe to see what a "funeral sandwich" was. It may be time for someone to give this little angle a make-over and rename it because the name is not becoming.
Rnbowgrl
Jul 30, 2017
The name leaves a little less to be desired...but I love the history behind it and find it to be endearing. Makes perfect sense and nobody wants to be in the kitchen all day at a time when you really just want to be around those you love. On another note...I'd actually make these anytime and probably would switch them up a little depending on the occasion. Anything is good on Hawaiian rolls.
len10pin
May 07, 2017
I gave this recipe to my daughter-in-law. She wanted to try it. She made a large cake pan of them for 4 of us. Not one was left!
lcarr
Apr 20, 2017
The first time I tried these wasnt at a funeral. We were visiting friends in Quebec and they decided to make these up to have for lunch. They are wonderful, with or without the sauce (which we had on the side). I forgot to get the recipe before we left, and was never able to find it anywhere. I am so glad I stumbled on it here today!
Delphine Bryant
Mar 25, 2017
Funeral Sandwiches is not a very appetizing name for this tasty sounding treat. I had to go click the link to determine just what this was. I am from the south and I have never of "funeral sandwiches". It must be a regional thing. At any rate, the recipe is simple and I won't be waiting for a funeral to try these.
vessrh 7070277
Mar 24, 2017
I like these better the real "old fashion way" where the dressing was put on the inside of the rolls.
Jim Moriarty
Mar 16, 2017
Ominous name, but these sound great! I'll have to make them for my next big get together.
Crafty Suz
Mar 07, 2017
I like to have recipes that have significance and tradition associated with them It is interesting to me I've been to many funerals where everyone gathers at the family home including my own grandparents house to share a light meal of casseroles sandwiches and sweets I don't believe I've ever had this specific recipe although I've heard of it It looks appealing to me and I think my family will like it Its a nice size small portion for an addition to a plate of foods for a gathering too I like that the original cook took an ordinary sandwich idea and elevated it to a baked dish for those who are in need of a meal after several days of stress and preparations One of the last things a family thinks about is food at a time of loss This type of gathering is sometimes the first real meal that…Read More is eaten in days I know
FoodLover
Jan 24, 2017
These funeral sandwiches do look very good. What made me save this recipe was the editor's notes. I always think a little personal message goes a long way. My son's friend's father was killed tragically during our school holidays. Now a 12 year old boy is without a father. I kept seeing these funeral sandwiches and read the note on baking casseroles for these families and we have now organised a drive at the school and a roster for all the moms to prepare meals for this family.
msdeb21
Jan 22, 2017
I' m also going to make these for the big football game party. We love ham and swiss, and who doesn't love Hawaiian rolls? I might not use Dijon mustard, though. It's pretty strong.
Ruthep
Jan 22, 2017
These would be great for any get together. I don't like swiss cheese, unless it is processed swiss cheese so I would go with sharp cheddar instead. I think a mild cheese would be overwhelmed by the sauce. The recipe calls for 12 servings so you'd have to make several batches for a funeral.
AuntKarolyn
Jan 20, 2017
I'm going to call these "Super Bowl' sandwiches. I think they will be the perfect addition to my Super Bowl party fair this year. The fact that they are prepared the day before and refrigerated overnight is also a plus for me. I'm also thinking of taking shelfconsciouskati e's idea of making a batch with turkey just to round out the variety.
Sierra
Jan 13, 2017
I've had something similar to these before but could never find a recipe. Glad I did would not have thought that half of the things in them were a part of it. Employee appreciation day is coming up and these would be a great easy and satisfying thing to make.
Emily Michelle
Dec 30, 2015
My cousin made these for our Christmas potluck and they were amazing! The sauce is a little messy but so tasty.
ChaCha Rizzo
Dec 04, 2015
I don't understand why they are called funeral sandwiches - i mean they don't taste dead. They taste very much alive and beyond yummy!
BeckySue
Mar 16, 2016
That is too funny ChaCha RIzzo! There are some other recipes called funeral something or other and I had never hear them called that before, but I guess we know what people are taking to a funeral service!
Zimm102090
Nov 12, 2015
Love these sandwiches! They had a really great mustard sauce that brings all of the flavors together. I'm definitely a fan.
caitlinmm
Nov 12, 2015
The sweetness of these sandwiches was perfect. It tasted went well with the warm sandwiches.
shelfconsciouskati e
Nov 12, 2015
I love a good funeral sandwich. These are very filling even though they are small, so they're perfect for a party. I might try to make a version with turkey.
BeckySue
Mar 16, 2016
Turkey would be another good version for these! So many people prefer turkey deli meat, especially if you can get it without nitrates with the celery enzyme instead. Perhaps someone would want a vegetarian sandwich with the vegan cheese product and soy meat.
tchiarulli 8596103
Jan 16, 2014
I made these sandwiches for both my card club and my Christmas party. They are easy to make and delicious! Everyone loved them! Definitely something I will make frequently.
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