Tasty Ham Cheese Sandwiches

Funeral sandwiches have this amazing knack for appearing at the best and most comforting gatherings. Tasty sweet rolls loaded with savory ham and gooey cheese, all topped with a buttery glaze, make them almost impossible to resist. With just a handful of pantry items and a few quick minutes of prep, these little sliders can make any event unforgettable.

I made these for a neighborhood brunch, and they disappeared before I even had a chance to sit down. Even the pickiest eaters keep asking for more. Now, they’ve become a must-have at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: This rich base for the spread. Let it sit out to soften so it's easy to mix.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet savoriness. Finely mincing it helps it blend into the topping seamlessly.
• Coarse grain mustard: Gives it a zesty kick. Look for kinds with visible mustard seeds for extra flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle depth. Pick a brand with little added sugar if you can.
• Hawaiian sweet rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls make the perfect base. King’s Hawaiian brand is great for fluffy sliders.
• Thinly sliced ham: Deli ham works wonderfully. Go for one with a bit of fat for a juicy bite.
• Swiss or Cheddar cheese slices: Both melt beautifully and pair well with ham. Choose thin but sturdy slices for good coverage.

Instructions

Start the Oven:

Get your oven heated up to three hundred fifty°F. This helps with even cooking from the beginning.

Make the Butter Spread:

In a mixer, blend softened butter, minced onion, mustard, and Worcestershire until it's all creamy and combined. Remember to scrape down the sides often to make sure everything mixes well.

Slice the Rolls:

Cut the whole pack of rolls in half horizontally without pulling them apart. Keep the tops and bottoms attached for easy assembly. Lay the bottom halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing them.

Apply the Butter Mixture:

Spread about half a cup of the butter mix on each bottom half of the rolls. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring the edges are well coated for maximum flavor.

Add the Ham and Cheese:

Layer ham slices evenly on the buttered rolls, followed by a layer of cheese. Make sure to cover every corner for perfect bites.

Close the Sandwiches:

Carefully place the tops of the rolls back over the fillings. Keep the shape intact so they bake nicely.

Top with More Butter:

Spread any leftover butter mixture lightly on both top halves. This gives the rolls a tasty golden crust while they bake.

Bake Them:

Put your baking sheets in the oven. Bake for about fifteen minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-browning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once they're baked, move the slabs to a cutting board. Cut along the original lines for easy grab-and-go pieces. Serve warm for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

I'm always wowed by how a touch of coarse mustard enhances the flavor. It turns a simple butter spread into something you crave. My sister swears the oniony butter is what makes these better than any deli sliders she’s ever had. These sandwiches really kept us close when our family went through a tough time.

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They last in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven at three hundred degrees until they’re heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you need to freeze them, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in foil, then pack them in a freezer bag. They reheat best unwrapped and baked directly from frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

If ham's not your thing, go for sliced turkey or roast beef instead. Any melty cheese works well, but provolone or pepper jack gives it a fun twist. You can also try dairy-free butter and a plant-based cheese for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with a warm winter soup for a cozy combo, or toss in a green salad for balance. They’re fantastic for game days, brunches, showers, or even after school snacks. Both kids and adults enjoy them. A side of pickles or potato salad pairs nicely.

Cultural and Historical Context

Sweet ham sandwiches are a Southern classic, especially at big gatherings like potlucks, showers, or wakes. Hawaiian rolls became super popular in the nineties and are now the go-to for many family sandwich ideas like these. Over time, they've earned the nickname funeral sandwiches because they often appear at post-service gatherings where comfort food is needed.

Seasonal Adaptations

Switch it up with roasted turkey and cranberry mustard in the fall. In the spring, try ham and Swiss with pickled onions. For a wintery touch, roast beef with horseradish sauce does the trick.

Success Stories

I once brought these to my niece's birthday brunch, and even the pickiest of guests left with sandwiches to-go. One friend requested them for her wedding shower, and now her family serves them every Easter.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Put together and bake the sandwiches, then let them cool completely before freezing. Wrap slabs tightly in foil and reheat from frozen at three hundred degrees for twenty-five minutes. You can also freeze them uncooked — just add a few extra minutes to the original bake time.

Funeral sandwiches really unite people — they’re simple, comforting, and always vanish first from the table. Give them a shot, and you'll find plenty of reasons to whip them up again.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of ham works best for these sandwiches?

Deli ham sliced thin is perfect. You can try honey ham, smoked ham, or any favorite type based on your taste.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of Swiss or Cheddar?

Absolutely. Provolone, mozzarella, or Colby Jack all melt nicely and go well with ham and the savory butter mix.

→ Are other rolls suitable if I can’t find Hawaiian sweet rolls?

Soft dinner rolls or potato rolls can work too, but Hawaiian rolls bring a special touch of sweetness.

→ Is it possible to make these sandwiches ahead?

You can put them together the day before and keep them in the fridge. Bake just before you’re ready to serve for the best taste and texture.

→ How do I prevent soggy bottoms on the rolls?

Evenly spread the butter mix and don’t overdo it with the sauce. Cooking at a high temperature (350°F) helps keep the tops crispy.

→ Can leftover sandwiches be reheated?

Yes, you can. Warm them in a low oven (300°F) for 10-12 minutes until everything is heated through. The rolls will stay soft and the cheese will melt again.