Funeral Sandwiches Are a Delicious Family Tradition

A Southern classic, funeral sandwiches are for so much more than funerals. The warm and gooey ham and cheese sandwiches are a family favorite no matter when and where you serve them.

Oct 7, 2024 - 16:00
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Funeral Sandwiches Are a Delicious Family Tradition
Funeral Sandwiches on a serving board, one sandwich being pulled by a hand, delicious looking cheese stretch
Simply Recipes / Photo by Morgan Hunt Glaze / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Priscilla Montiel

A Southern classic, funeral sandwiches aren’t just for funerals. They’re for every gathering you can think of. The buttery ham and cheese sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast—no one can resist.

In my family, we call these hot sammies. No matter what you call them, they are delicious. Funeral sandwiches are savory with a nice sweetness from the ham, and I love how the exterior gets a little crisp while the inside stays soft and gooey. 

Tips for Making Funeral Sandwiches

  • If your store carries a big 24-ounce pack of Hawaiian-style rolls, use those instead.
  • Swap the fresh onion for 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion.
  • Butter is fully softened when you can easily squish it between your thumb and forefinger. It should have an indentation but not lose its shape. You aren’t looking for melted butter or room-temperature butter, which won’t hold its shape when pressed. 
  • I find it easiest to cut the sandwiches apart with a serrated knife.
  • Adjust the ham to your desired flavor profile. Black Forest ham adds a nice saltiness that helps to counteract the sweetness of the rolls. If you are looking for a sweeter take, use honey ham. 
Funeral Sandwiches piled up on a platter
Simply Recipes / Photo by Morgan Hunt Glaze / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Priscilla Montiel

Classic Appetizers

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Make the spread:

Meanwhile, stir the butter, onion, poppy seeds (if using), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt together in a small bowl until combined; set aside.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Without separating the rolls, cut the rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottoms of the rolls in an even layer on a large-rimmed baking sheet. Spread half of the butter mixture over the bottom half of the rolls. Place the ham slices in an even layer over the buttered bottom half of the rolls, and place the cheese slices in an even layer over the ham. 

Place the top half of the rolls, cut side down, over the cheese. Gently spread the remaining half of the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.

Bake the sandwiches:

Bake until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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