Funeral Sandwiches

Share your sympathies with this no-fail recipe for funeral sandwiches (also known as party sandwiches), and you'll be offering an outstretched hand of comfort that gives and gives. Any way you look at it, these funeral sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. They're easy to prepare, just as easy to eat, and can easily double as dinner, making it a go-to dish for sharing with friends and neighbors in need.

A few simple ingredients—a Hawaiian roll, deli-style ham, mustard, and cheese—combine to create a ham sandwich that is so much greater than the sum of its parts. It's warm and filling and a must for supper spreads, from funerals to church homecomings, and every moment in between. Once prepared, the sandwiches are baked in a big batch, making prep for a crowd as easy as can be.

Learn how to make funeral sandwiches. Then, add this simple recipe to your rotation, and you'll never take it out.

Why Are They Called Funeral Sandwiches?

These two-bite ham-and-cheese sandwiches are made in big batches, and traditionally prepared when feeding a crowd—particularly for funeral spreads (hence the name). Quick to make, comforting, and delicious, they're the perfect hot sandwiches to put out when you want something hearty but easy to grab.

Also called "party sandwiches", expect to see these sandwiches at any Southern celebrations, including tailgate parties, picnics, Easter gatherings, and church events.

Ingredients for Funeral Sandwiches

Funeral sandwiches take your standard ham sandwiches to the next level. A flavorful, buttery spread gets slathered onto the buns, melting in the oven to create a gooey, decadent result. To make these sandwiches, you'll need:

• Unsalted butter: Flavored and spread onto the rolls to create a buttery, rich texture.
• Yellow onion: Minced and added to the butter.
• Coarse grain mustard: Adds tanginess and a little zing to the sandwiches.
• Worcestershire sauce: For umami flavor.
• Hawaiian rolls: These sweet rolls are perfectly fluffy and light, but can be substituted with any type of buns in a pinch.
• Thinly sliced ham: Use any ham you prefer.
• Swiss or Cheddar cheese slices: Grab freshly sliced cheese from the deli counter for the meltiest texture.

How To Make Funeral Sandwiches

A few minutes is all it takes to assemble two dozen sandwiches. With that kind of speed, you could really feed a crowd in no time.

To make these sandwiches,

• Step 1. Beat the butter with the onion, mustard, and Worcestershire.
• Step 2. Split rolls horizontally without separating, then spread butter mixture on top and bottom halves of rolls.
• Step 3. Top bottom layer with folded ham and sliced cheese. Place roll tops on.
• Step 4. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Variations for Funeral Sandwiches

When it comes to these two-bite sliders, feel free to get creative:

• Bread: You can use any soft, sweet roll or plain white buns in the place of Hawaiian rolls. We also love our biscuit version of this classic sandwich.
• Cheese: Gouda, provolone, pepper Jack, or any other type of preferred freshly sliced cheese will work nicely.
• Meat: Swap in any deli meat, from turkey to roast beef or chicken.
• Butter: Mayonnaise can be used to spread onto the buns in the place of butter, if preferred.
• Flavorings: Layer sliced onions, pickles, jalapeños, or any other inclusions into the sandwiches before baking.
• Toppings: Top the sandwiches with a brushing of melted butter, and sprinkle on poppy seeds, sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or everything bagel seasoning for a final flourish.
  

Can I Make Funeral Sandwiches Ahead?

These sandwiches can be assembled, wrapped, and refrigerated for up to two days before serving. Bring to room temperature before baking as directed. Serve warm or hot.

To reheat leftovers, cover and heat in a preheated 350°F oven, toaster oven, or microwave until warmed through.

More Hawaiian Roll Sandwich Recipes You'll Love

Hawaiian rolls make feeding a crowd a breeze, and their mild sweetness is the perfect contrast to rich, savory fillings:

• Pizza Sliders
• Ham Delights
• Ham-and-Swiss Sliders
• Hawaiian Rolls Breakfast Sliders
• French Dip Sliders
• Beef Sliders with Bacon Jam
• Hot Brown Party Rolls
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Split-Top Mini Barbecue Sandwiches

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.