Quick and Easy Funeral Sandwiches Recipe (Perfect For Feeding A Crowd)

These funeral sandwiches are a delicious option for any get-together with friends and family or even weeknight dinner. From the ham and cheese to the flavorful mustard sauce, every bite is better than the last! Plus, they're so, so easy to whip up. Just a few everyday ingredients are all you need to make these funeral sandwiches, and they come together in just 4 simple steps.

My Take On Funeral Sandwiches

These delicious ham and cheese sandwiches are my go-to thing to make if I'm hosting a crowd. They're easy to make, they taste amazing, and they're a hit with everyone who tries 'em. They seriously check all the boxes if you need something to serve to a large group of people!

Now, while funeral sandwiches are known for being served at churches, they're pretty much the perfect thing to make for any occasion. A family dinner, flavorful appetizer, or part of a holiday spread, you name it! 

They really are so versatile and crazy delicious. The savory ham and melted cheese combined with the buttery rolls and homemade sauce are a combination you just can't get in any other recipe. I love serving them with this cheesy potato casserole, but they go great with so many other dishes too. More on that later!

Why I Love This Recipe

It's simple. Layer the ham and cheese between the soft rolls, top them with the smoky, savory sauce, and bake. They're ready to serve in about 30 minutes!

Everyone loves them. I truly haven't met anyone who doesn't enjoy this savory ham and cheese melt. They are the talk of every gathering I've ever brought them to. Kids love them too!

Basic ingredients. You only need seven ingredients to make this recipe, and if you have the ham, cheese, and rolls, you probably have everything else you need on hand!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make these funeral sandwiches:

• Sweet Hawaiian rolls- Soft, buttery, and sweet for the perfect sandwich base. I used the large ones, and the sliders work amazing too.
• Swiss cheese- sliced for the melted cheesy goodness.
• Ham- thinly sliced works best. I like to use black forest ham.
• Butter- allows for a golden brown baked bun.
• Worcestershire sauce- adds a smoky flavor to the mustard sauce mixture.
• Dijon mustard- gives a delicious kick to the sandwiches.
• Onion powder- a savory spice for the sauce.

Pretty simple stuff, right?!

How To Make Funeral Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep work. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC), cut the buns in half, and arrange the bottoms in a baking tray. I used a 9x13-inch, but any size that fits the buns will work great.

Step 2: Layer the sandwiches. Put the ham slices on top of the buns and layer the Swiss cheese slices evenly on top.  

Step 3: Make the sauce. Mix the butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and onion powder in a bowl. Add the tops of the buns to the sandwiches and brush them generously with the sauce.

Step 4: Bake and serve. Put the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately while the sandwiches are nice and hot. 

My Pro Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Save some of the mustard and serve with the sandwiches for dipping.
• Double the recipe and prepare two trays of the sandwiches. Just bake one after the other. Trust me. Everyone won't be able to just eat one, and the first tray will be gone in a flash! 
• Broil the sandwiches for the last few minutes of baking if you want them to be extra crispy.

How I Recommend Storing and Reheating Leftovers

In the fridge: Wrap the leftover sandwiches in foil or plastic wrap and stick them in an airtight container or sealed bag. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

In the freezer: Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating: I like to put the leftover sandwiches back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. They also reheat really well in the toaster oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are funeral sandwiches called funeral sandwiches?

Since it's so easy to prepare a large amount of the ham and swiss cheese sandwiches- and they make a great finger food - they were traditionally served at funeral spreads, hence the name.

Can I use meat other than ham to make funeral sandwiches?

Yes, you can! Turkey, roast beef, and even sliced chicken would be delicious substitutes for ham in this recipe. 

What else can I serve with these sandwiches?

They go really well with Rudy's creamed corn, Southern fried potatoes and onions, ranch potatoes, and twice baked mashed potatoes.