Classic Funeral Sandwiches: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

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If you've ever been to a potluck, church gathering, or family get-together in the South, chances are you've encountered these delightful little sandwiches. Despite their somber name, Funeral Sandwiches are anything but depressing—they're warm, cheesy, buttery, and downright addictive!

These baked ham and cheese sliders get their quirky name from being a staple at memorial service gatherings, where they've been bringing comfort to families for generations. They're incredibly easy to prepare, feed a crowd without breaking the bank, and can be made ahead of time. That's why they've become the go-to dish for any occasion where you need to feed hungry people with minimal fuss.

The magic happens when sweet Hawaiian rolls meet savory deli ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a spectacular butter sauce that's both tangy and slightly sweet. Everything gets baked together until golden and gooey, creating little handheld parcels of pure comfort food bliss.

How to Make Funeral Sandwiches

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What You'll Need

For the Sandwiches:

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls

• ¾ to 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced

• 8-10 slices Swiss cheese

• 2-3 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard (for spreading, optional)

For the Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• 1-2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

How to Make Them

1. Prep your baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.

2. Slice the rolls. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as one large piece. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

3. Build your sandwiches. If desired, spread a thin layer of mustard on the bottom rolls. Layer the ham evenly across the bottom half, then top with Swiss cheese slices. Place the top half of the rolls back on to complete the sandwiches.

4. Make the magic sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder (if using) until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.

5. Apply the sauce. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture, making sure to cover every inch. If using poppy seeds, sprinkle them over the top now.

6. Let them rest. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and let the sandwiches sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator) to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to soak in.

7. Bake covered. Place the covered dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.

8. Finish uncovered. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crispy.

9. Serve warm. Let the sandwiches cool for about 5 minutes, then slice into individual servings using a serrated knife. Serve immediately while they're still warm and gooey!

Tips for Success

The beauty of these sandwiches is their flexibility. You can assemble them completely and refrigerate them overnight before baking—perfect for preparing ahead for a busy day.

Some people swear by letting them marinate in the sauce for several hours to develop deeper flavor and create that signature slightly-soggy-but-in-a-good-way texture.

Don't have Swiss cheese? Use provolone, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully here, and you can even substitute turkey or roast beef if you prefer.

The sauce is forgiving too—yellow mustard works just as well as Dijon, and if you're not a poppy seed fan, sesame seeds make a great alternative.

These sandwiches store well in the refrigerator for up to three days wrapped in foil, and they reheat beautifully in the oven. Just warm them at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Whether you're taking them to a funeral, a football party, or just making dinner for your family on a busy weeknight, these sandwiches deliver every single time.

Simple ingredients, minimal effort, maximum deliciousness—that's the Funeral Sandwich promise!