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 slider!
If you love pull-apart sliders, you have to try my Pull Apart Philly Cheesesteak Sliders w/ Hawaiian Rolls.
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 are often served at, you guessed it, FUNERALS!
I assume it's because they are easy to make in large batches and keep well for a few hours. On top of that, they are incredible.
It's more of a southern thing but I'm definitely jumping on that casket bangwagon!
Ingredients
- 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.
- Butter: This adds flavor and helps the sandwiches brown nicely.
- 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.
- Poppy Seeds: optional but it makes these sandwiches look beautiful.
How To Make Funeral Sandwiches
Step 1: Slice open your sweet rolls using a long knife.
Step 2: Spread some of your honey mustard on the bottom of your rolls and start adding the ham. Folding it is best.
Step 3: Add a slice of swiss cheese over the ham.
Step 4: Add another layer of honey mustard to the top layer.
Step 5: Close up your sandwiches and brush your butter mixture over the entire thing.
Step 6: Sprinkle poppy seeds over top. This is optional.
Step 7: Pre-cut your sandwiches then bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
📃 NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
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.
Make sure to check out these delicious Pinwheel Sandwiches For Parties.
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 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!
Making These In Advance
Okay so you want to make these ahead of time for your gathering right? The best way to do this is to do everything BUT bake them off.
Cut, layer, close and brush your rolls down like stated in the recipe card below. Cover well with aluminum foil and store in the fridge overnight. This will allow your sandwiches to soak up all that buttery, sweet, tangy goodness.
Then bake your sandwiches like normal when you're ready!
What To Serve These With?
I highly suggest serving these sandwiches with my Oven Baked Potato Wedges or my Jersey Disco Fries (Gravy Mozzarella Cheese Fries).
Also consider serving your sliders with a side of pickles, ketchup, ranch and DUH, potato chips!
Other party sandwich recipes you will love:
Vegetarian Primos Eggplant Party Sandwiches
Grilled Cheese Sandwich w/ Cream Cheese, Roasted Peppers & Basil
English Tea Finger Sandwiches (3 Recipes!)
22 Mini Sandwich Ideas (Party Appetizer Sliders)
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Funeral Sandwiches (Hot 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))
- poppy seeds (*optional)
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.
- Spread a generous amount of honey mustard sauce on 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!
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!