Funeral Sandwiches

One of my cherished Southern traditions is feeding people when they need it the most.

You’ve just had a baby.  We’re going to feed you and the whole family.

New in the neighborhood?  We’re bringing you some kind of fresh baked good that’s loaded with sugar.

Just lost your job? Here we come with a baked ham and a loaf of light bread.

A death in the family? Get ready ‘cuz we’re bringing over enough food to feed the country. And, we’re bringing food to the after burial/memorial ceremony, too.

Feeding people is a way we show love; a mighty good way at that. Sometimes people feel the only spiritual gift they have is the gift of hospitality. If they offer to feed you, let them do it. To deny would be to rob them of the chance to use their spiritual gift.

There’s a host of foods known as Funeral Food. It’s typical and favorite dishes taken to someone during a time of need.Casseroles top the list but these sandwiches, called Funeral Sandwiches, are popular, too.

Don’t be afraid of the name. Folks have been calling them Funeral Sandwiches for Lord knows how long and loving them like crazy.

So, tonight I’m feeding my small group from church. They’re getting Funeral Sandwiches because they’re not just for funerals. They’re for anytime you want to show your love to a group of people and I love this group of people.  We named our group SALTY which stands for Serving And Laughing  Together, Y’all.

And that’s exactly what we do.

Y’all come see us.

Funeral Sandwiches

yield: 12 sandwiches

preheat oven to 350 degrees.

A lot of recipes use brown sugar in the butter sauce. Since Hawaiian roles are sweet, I omit brown sugar.  In fact, I believe the sandwich is best when the butter sauce is savory and compliments the sweetness of the rolls instead of adding more sweetness.  Traditionally, the recipes calls for poppy seeds instead of sesame seeds.  

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2  tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried onions

1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls

1 pound Virginia ham

12 slices Swiss cheese

sesame seeds for sprinkling

Melt butter is small saucepan.  Add next three ingredients and whisk together. Set aside.

Separate rolls into twelve pieces.  An easy to do this is to cut through horizontally with a serrated knife and then cut each roll separately.

Place the bottoms in a 9×11 baking dish.

Divide the ham evenly between each roll trying to keep the ham on top of the roll.  This will make it easier to pull apart the sandwiches after their heated.

Cover the top of the ham with Swiss cheese slices. No need to worry about centering the cheese. It will melt and won’t interfere with pulling apart the sandwiches.

Replace the tops. Peak under the cheese to identify the mound of ham and place the top in the center of each mound.

Brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.  Use every last drop of it.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds. As much or as little as you like.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap.  Place in a 350 degree preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

If sandwiches aren’t going to be served immediately, separate them while the cheese is still warm.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

3.19 from 83 votes

Funeral Sandwiches

Virginia ham and Swiss cheese on Hawaiian rolls, marinated in a savory butter sauce and baked.

Author: Jackie Garvin

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried onions
• 1 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
• 1 pound Virginia ham
• 12 slices Swiss cheese
• sesame seeds for sprinkling

Instructions

• Melt butter is small saucepan. Add next three ingredients and whisk together. Set aside.
• Separate rolls into twelve pieces. An easy to do this is to cut through horizontally with a serrated knife and then cut each roll separately.
• Place the bottoms in a 9x11 baking dish.
• Divide the ham evenly between each roll trying to keep the ham on top of the roll. This will make it easier to pull apart the sandwiches after their heated.
• Cover the top of the ham with Swiss cheese slices. No need to worry about centering the cheese. It will melt and won't interfere with pulling apart the sandwiches.
• Replace the tops. Peak under the cheese to identify the mound of ham and place the top in the center of each mound.
• Brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture. Use every last drop of it.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds. As much or as little as you like.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap. Place in a 350 degree preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese melts.
• If sandwiches aren't going to be served immediately, separate them while the cheese is still warm.

Tried this recipe?Mention @syrupandbiscuits or tag #syrupandbiscuits!

My latest recipes delivered weekly!

SIGN ME UP!

Sign Up for Free Recipes!