Funeral Sandwiches aka hot ham and cheese sliders, are one of the easiest party sandwiches you can prepare in advance for a crowd. They're filling, absolutely delicious and so simple to make!
I smother King's Hawaiian rolls with a sweet honey mustard and butter mixture before baking to create a moist, slightly crispy ham and cheese slider!
Okay. Can we talk about the name of these sandwiches first?!
FUNERAL SANDWICHES?!
I know. It's a bit...morbid.
But there's a reason they're called funeral sandwiches. And it's a pretty simple explanation. These baked hot ham and cheese sliders were often served at, you guessed it, FUNERALS as a southern tradition that dates back to the late 1700's!
I assume it was best for funerals because they are easy to make in large batches and stay soft and moist for hours.
I have to say, the first time I tried funeral sandwiches, I immediately jumped on that casket bangwagon.
They're ideal for making ahead of time and serving at a large party or bringing to a party! Definitely a keeper!
If you love pull-apart sliders, you have to try my Pull Apart Philly Cheesesteak Sliders w/ Hawaiian Rolls.
🛒 Funeral Sandwich Ingredient Tips
- Mini Slider Buns: If you use anything but sweet Hawaiian bread, you'll be missing out. They make a huge difference. I love King's Hawaiian.
- Ham: Make sure to get thinly sliced ham. The flavor is up to you.
- Swiss Cheese: It is the best for these sliders. You can substitute other cheese that melts well such as Gruyere, provolone or mozzarella.
- Honey Mustard: You can make your own or purchase the bottle I used pictured above.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a delicious umami flavor to your sliders and something unique I decided to add.
How To Make Funeral Sliders
- Slice your rolls in half lengthwise using a large chefs knife.
- Spread your dijon sauce all over the bread.
- Add your ham, cheese and more sauce if desired.
- Top with the other half and brush liberally with the butter.
- Cover and bake until golden brown!
📃 NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
✔️ Funeral Sandwich Prep Tips
- Preslicing your sandwiches will allow guests to pull them apart MUCH easier after they bake in the oven.
- If you're rolls break apart while opening and closing, it's okay. Once they bake off, the cheese will stick and "fuse" them together.
- Adding tin foil to the top of your sandwiches will keep the bread from burning too quickly.
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Check out my 23 Mini Sandwich Ideas (Party Appetizer Sliders)
📃 Funeral Sandwich Substitutions
- You can substitute the swiss cheese for mozzarella, provolone, gruyere, gouda, cheddar or any other good melting cheese that is sliced.
- If you want to make your funeral sandwiches more traditional, use brown sugar instead of honey. Both are sweet and delicious!
- If you don't have poppy seeds on hand, sprinkle the tops of your sandwiches with sesame seeds, fresh parsley, or parmesan cheese!
Storing Your Sandwiches
I suggest after baking, covering with aluminum foil and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you'd like to freeze them, wrap well in plastic wrap and place inside a freezeer bag. Store for up to 2 weeks.
Making These In Advance!
I suggest assembling your funeral sandwiches the day or night prior to your party, or funeral, and wrap with foil. Place in the fridge until you're ready to bake them off!
Then serve with homemade chips, french fries, or a side of potato salad!
Love Make Appetizers in Advance?
I have an Ebook I created with my top make-ahead appetizers you'll LOVE! Get it here!
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📖 Recipe
The BEST Funeral Sandwiches (Baked Ham n' Cheese Sliders)
Ingredients
- 1 24 pack Sweet Hawaiian Rolls (mini slider buns) ((I like King's Hawaiian))
- 24 slices of swiss cheese
- 24 slices of ham
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- ⅓ cup honey mustard ((I used Boars Head honey mustard squeezable))
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- poppy seeds (*optional)
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Instructions
- Slice open your slider buns while still connected. Use a long, serrated knife to do so!
- Lay the bottom sheet of your rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or tinfoil.
- Mix together the Worcestershire sauce and honey mustard in a small bowl. Spread a generous amount onto the bottom.
- Fold a slice of ham so it fits on one slider. Repeat with the rest until there's enough ham for each.**Make sure the ham doesn't overlap too much or it will be tough to pull apart the sliders afterwards.
- Add a slice of cheese folded the same way until each slider is covered. (Use as much as you wish).
- Brush the honey mustard mixture onto the top sheet of sliders and then close them up.
- Add your melted butter and worcestershire sauce to a small bowl and brush the mixture generously over top of the sliders.
- Cover with tin foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve warm!
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute the swiss cheese for mozzarella, provolone, gruyere, gouda, cheddar or any other good melting cheese that is sliced.
- If you want to make these more traditional, use brown sugar instead of honey. Both are sweet and delicious!
- If you don't have poppy seeds on hand, sprinkle the tops of your sandwiches with sesame seeds, fresh parsley, or parmesan cheese!
Mary M Menches
How much worcestershire sauce do you add to the butter?
Aleka Shunk
Mary, I apologize for not adding this to the recipe! I just added it in. About 1 teaspoon!