Funeral sandwiches, also known as ham and cheese sliders or funeral sliders, are a classic Midwest comfort food for a reason. Made with soft rolls, layers of savory ham and melty cheese, and finished with a buttery, flavorful topping, these baked sandwiches are easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd.
These hot ham and cheese sliders are simple to make, easy to serve, and always one of the first dishes to disappear.
Why Are They Called Funeral Sandwiches?
Funeral sandwiches got their name because they’re often served at gatherings after funerals, especially in Midwest and Southern communities where neighbors bring comforting food to share. They’re easy to make in big batches, travel well, and can be served warm or at room temperature — which makes them perfect for feeding a crowd during times when people need simple, reliable meals.
Over time, the name stuck, but these baked ham and cheese sliders aren’t just for somber occasions. Today they’re just as popular at potlucks, parties, game day spreads, and family dinners because they’re easy, comforting, and always a hit.
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What are Funeral Sandwiches?
Funeral sandwiches are baked ham and cheese sliders made on soft rolls and brushed with a buttery topping. They’re commonly served at funeral lunches, potlucks, and family gatherings because they’re easy to make, easy to transport, and always a crowd favorite.
Looking for more easy crowd-pleasing sandwiches? Try these slider recipes.
Ingredients You'll Need
These funeral sandwiches use simple, grocery-store staples you may already have on hand.
- Hawaiian rolls - You'll need a pack of 12 Hawaiian rolls for this recipe. Note that the size of the rolls varies depending on the brand. Slider buns can also be used.
- deli ham - if you have leftover Easter ham, this is a perfect way to put it to use!
- Swiss cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Butter
- Seasonings - onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds
How to Make Funeral Sandwiches
- Step 1: Cut entire package of rolls in half horizontally. Place bottom half in a 9x9 ovenproof baking dish.
- Step 2: Layer ham and Swiss cheese over bottom half. Replace the top of the rolls.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together dijon mustard, melted butter, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. Pour sauce over the rolls, just covering the tops.
Sprinkle the tops with poppy seeds, if using. Cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Uncover and cook for additional 2 minutes until tops are slightly browned and crisp.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- You can use yellow mustard or mayonnaise if you don't have Dijon mustard
- A serrated knife works best for cutting these into portions.
- This and old fashioned ham salad are great ways to use leftover ham from Easter and other occasions!
- If you don't like Swiss cheese, use another kind. My hubby likes cheddar cheese.
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This recipe (and pretty much every slider recipe EVER!) is one of my top recommendations for field meals or for meal ideas for families on the go.
Variations
- Use sliced turkey and provolone or cheddar for a lighter option.
- Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the butter topping for a slightly sweet finish.
- If you’re not a fan of poppy seeds, simply leave them out — the sandwiches are still delicious.
Storage, and Reheating Tips
Leftovers: Leftover funeral sandwiches will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Because they’re baked with butter and cheese, they reheat best when covered so they don’t dry out.
To reheat: To reheat in the oven, warm them at 300°F, covered with foil until heated through. For smaller portions, you can also reheat them in the microwave. When using this method, the rolls may soften a bit.
Make Ahead and How to Freeze Funeral Sandwiches
Make Ahead: One of the reasons funeral sandwiches are so popular is how easy they are to prep ahead of time. You can assemble the sandwiches, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply add the butter topping and bake as directed. Viola!
To Freeze: Funeral sandwiches can be frozen and are a great option for planning ahead! For best results, assemble the sandwiches without adding the buttery topping, then wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to bake, thaw the sandwiches overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, add the butter topping and bake as directed. This helps keep the rolls from becoming soggy and gives you that fresh-baked texture everyone loves.
If you’re all about quick comfort food, don’t miss my Instant Pot Tuna Casserole. It’s an easy one-pot dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
What to serve with Funeral Sandwiches
For an easy side dish, serve these with my Old Fashioned Sour Cream Potato Salad or one of these classic sides:
- potato chips
- sweet and creamy coleslaw
- old fashioned baked beans
- No Mayo Potato Salad
- Low Carb Deviled Eggs
and for dessert, Apple Slab Pie or Hawaiian Banana Bread
Funeral Sandwiches FAQs
Yes! Funeral sandwiches are perfect for making ahead. Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed. If possible, add the buttery topping right before baking so the rolls stay soft instead of soggy.
Plan on 2–3 sandwiches per person if you’re serving sides. If they’re the main dish with minimal sides, aim for 3–4 per person. For kids or lighter eaters, 1–2 is usually enough.
Leftover funeral sandwiches will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently to keep the rolls soft and the cheese melty.
Yes. You can freeze them either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake until heated through.
Soft rolls work best so the sandwiches stay tender after baking. Hawaiian rolls are the most popular choice, but dinner rolls, slider buns, or brioche rolls all work well too.
After baking, cover the pan loosely with foil to keep the heat in. For longer events, you can place them in a slow cooker on the warm setting or transfer to a warming tray so guests can serve themselves throughout the party.
Other mini slider sandwich recipes:
- 23 Pull Apart Sliders Recipes
- Roast Beef Sliders
- Baked Italian Sliders
- Pulled Pork Sliders
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Recipe
Funeral Sandwiches Recipe (Ham & Cheese Sliders)
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Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls or slider rbuns
- 1 pound deli ham slices
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons poppy seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut 1 package Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (do not separate them beforehand).Place bottom half in a 9x9 ovenproof baking dish. Layer 1 pound deli ham slices and 6 slices Swiss cheese over bottom half. Add the top halves of the rolls.
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup butter, melted, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.Pour the butter mixture evenly over the sandwiches.
- Sprinkle the tops with 1-2 teaspoons poppy seeds, if using. Cover loosely with foil and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for additional 3-4 minutes until the sandwiches are heated through, the cheese is melty, and the tops are slightly browned and crisp.
Notes
- These sandwiches are perfect for potlucks, holidays, and feeding a crowd.
- Swiss cheese is traditional, but cheddar or provolone work well too.
Freezer Instructions
To freeze, assemble the sandwiches without adding the butter topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the butter topping, and bake as directed.Make Ahead Instructions
Assemble the sandwiches, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the butter topping just before baking for best texture.Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
Pat Slice says
Unable to find the directions if I want to make the funeral sandwiches for later. Thanks