Funeral sandwiches, also known as party sandwiches, ham and cheese sliders, or simply delicious comfort food, are a staple at gatherings of all kinds, not just funerals. These savory, cheesy, and easily customizable sandwiches are incredibly popular for their simplicity, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, a game day party, a holiday brunch, or indeed, offering condolences and nourishment during a difficult time, funeral sandwiches are a perfect choice. Their easy preparation and portability make them ideal for any event where you need to feed a crowd. This comprehensive guide will provide you with multiple recipes, tips, and tricks for creating the perfect funeral sandwiches every time.
**Why Are They Called Funeral Sandwiches?**
The name “funeral sandwiches” stems from their traditional role in providing sustenance to grieving families and friends after a funeral service. They are easy to make in large quantities and require minimal effort for those already burdened with emotional stress. The sandwiches can be prepared ahead of time and are easy to transport, making them an ideal offering of comfort and support. However, their deliciousness and versatility have led to their widespread adoption for a variety of celebrations and gatherings, making the name somewhat of a misnomer in many contexts.
**Core Ingredients and Variations**
The fundamental components of funeral sandwiches typically include:
* **Bread:** Soft rolls, often Hawaiian rolls or similar sweet rolls, are the most common choice. Their slightly sweet flavor complements the savory filling. However, you can also use slider buns or even mini croissants for a different texture and taste.
* **Meat:** Ham is the most traditional meat, but roast beef, turkey, or even pulled pork can be used. Consider using a combination of meats for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Cheese:** Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with ham, but cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses work well. The cheese should be sliced thinly enough to melt easily.
* **Sauce:** This is where you can really customize the flavor. A common sauce base includes melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, mustard (Dijon or yellow), and onion powder. Other additions might include poppy seeds, garlic powder, brown sugar, or even a touch of hot sauce for a kick.
**Recipe 1: Classic Ham and Swiss Funeral Sandwiches**
This recipe is the quintessential funeral sandwich, offering a simple yet satisfying flavor combination.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
* 1 pound thinly sliced ham
* 8 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Rolls:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Do not separate the rolls. Using a long, serrated knife, slice the entire slab of rolls horizontally, separating the top half from the bottom half.
2. **Layer the Filling:** Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish (9×13 inch is ideal). Layer the ham evenly over the bottom rolls, followed by the Swiss cheese. Replace the top half of the rolls.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion powder until well combined.
4. **Pour the Sauce:** Slowly pour the sauce evenly over the top of the rolls, allowing it to soak into the bread and filling. Ensure that the sauce covers the entire surface of the rolls.
5. **Bake the Sandwiches:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
6. **Serve:** Let the sandwiches cool slightly before slicing them into individual servings. Serve warm.
**Tips for Classic Ham and Swiss Funeral Sandwiches:**
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the rolls. Watch them carefully during the last few minutes of baking and remove them from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of the ham and cheese, the better the overall flavor of the sandwiches.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** Feel free to add more or less mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or other seasonings to customize the sauce to your liking.
* **Make Ahead:** These sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
**Recipe 2: Roast Beef and Cheddar Funeral Sandwiches with Horseradish Mayo**
For a bolder flavor profile, try these roast beef and cheddar sandwiches with a creamy horseradish mayo.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
* 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
* 8 ounces cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Rolls:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slab of rolls horizontally, separating the top half from the bottom half.
2. **Make the Horseradish Mayo:** In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and horseradish. Mix well and set aside.
3. **Layer the Filling:** Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish. Spread the horseradish mayo evenly over the bottom rolls. Layer the roast beef evenly over the mayo, followed by the cheddar cheese. Replace the top half of the rolls.
4. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Pour the Sauce:** Slowly pour the sauce evenly over the top of the rolls, ensuring that it soaks into the bread and filling.
6. **Bake the Sandwiches:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
7. **Serve:** Let the sandwiches cool slightly before slicing them into individual servings. Serve warm.
**Tips for Roast Beef and Cheddar Funeral Sandwiches:**
* **Use High-Quality Roast Beef:** The better the quality of the roast beef, the more flavorful the sandwiches will be.
* **Adjust the Horseradish to Your Taste:** If you prefer a milder flavor, use less horseradish. For a spicier kick, use more.
* **Add Caramelized Onions:** Caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and complexity to these sandwiches. Sauté thinly sliced onions in butter until golden brown and add them to the filling.
* **Serve with Au Jus:** For an extra-special touch, serve these sandwiches with a side of au jus for dipping.
**Recipe 3: Turkey and Provolone Funeral Sandwiches with Cranberry Mayo**
These turkey and provolone sandwiches offer a festive twist with a cranberry-infused mayonnaise.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
* 1 pound thinly sliced turkey breast
* 8 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Rolls:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slab of rolls horizontally, separating the top half from the bottom half.
2. **Make the Cranberry Mayo:** In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and cranberry sauce. Mix well and set aside.
3. **Layer the Filling:** Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish. Spread the cranberry mayo evenly over the bottom rolls. Layer the turkey evenly over the mayo, followed by the provolone cheese. Replace the top half of the rolls.
4. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and dried sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Pour the Sauce:** Slowly pour the sauce evenly over the top of the rolls, ensuring that it soaks into the bread and filling.
6. **Bake the Sandwiches:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
7. **Serve:** Let the sandwiches cool slightly before slicing them into individual servings. Serve warm.
**Tips for Turkey and Provolone Funeral Sandwiches:**
* **Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey:** These sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
* **Add Stuffing:** For an even more festive touch, add a layer of stuffing to the filling.
* **Substitute Other Cheeses:** If you don’t have provolone, try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese.
* **Garnish with Fresh Cranberries:** Before baking, garnish the sandwiches with a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color.
**Recipe 4: Vegetarian Funeral Sandwiches with Pesto and Roasted Vegetables**
Even vegetarians can enjoy the comfort of funeral sandwiches! These pesto and roasted vegetable sandwiches are packed with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
* 1 cup roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and onions), chopped
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Rolls:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slab of rolls horizontally, separating the top half from the bottom half.
2. **Layer the Filling:** Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish. Spread the pesto evenly over the bottom rolls. Layer the roasted vegetables evenly over the pesto, followed by the mozzarella cheese. Replace the top half of the rolls.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Pour the Sauce:** Slowly pour the sauce evenly over the top of the rolls, ensuring that it soaks into the bread and filling.
5. **Bake the Sandwiches:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
6. **Serve:** Let the sandwiches cool slightly before slicing them into individual servings. Serve warm.
**Tips for Vegetarian Funeral Sandwiches:**
* **Roast the Vegetables Ahead of Time:** Roasting the vegetables ahead of time will save you time when assembling the sandwiches.
* **Use Your Favorite Vegetables:** Feel free to use your favorite roasted vegetables in these sandwiches.
* **Add a Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle the sandwiches with a balsamic glaze after baking for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Try using feta, goat cheese, or provolone cheese for a different flavor.
**Recipe 5: Pulled Pork Funeral Sandwiches with BBQ Sauce and Coleslaw**
For a more substantial and flavorful option, try these pulled pork funeral sandwiches topped with BBQ sauce and coleslaw.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
* 2 pounds pulled pork (store-bought or homemade)
* 1 cup BBQ sauce
* 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Rolls:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slab of rolls horizontally, separating the top half from the bottom half.
2. **Warm the Pulled Pork:** If using leftover pulled pork, warm it up before assembling the sandwiches.
3. **Mix the Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Mix well.
4. **Layer the Filling:** Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish. Layer the BBQ pulled pork evenly over the bottom rolls. Top with coleslaw. Replace the top half of the rolls.
5. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
6. **Pour the Sauce:** Slowly pour the sauce evenly over the top of the rolls, ensuring that it soaks into the bread and filling.
7. **Bake the Sandwiches:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Let the sandwiches cool slightly before slicing them into individual servings. Serve warm.
**Tips for Pulled Pork Funeral Sandwiches:**
* **Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce:** Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for these sandwiches.
* **Make Your Own Coleslaw:** Homemade coleslaw is always a great addition to these sandwiches. You can make a simple coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise.
* **Add Pickles:** Thinly sliced pickles add a tangy crunch to these sandwiches.
* **Serve with Extra BBQ Sauce:** Serve the sandwiches with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
**General Tips for Making the Best Funeral Sandwiches**
* **Use Soft Rolls:** Soft rolls, such as Hawaiian rolls, are essential for creating the right texture. They absorb the sauce beautifully and create a tender, easy-to-eat sandwich.
* **Don’t Overfill:** While it’s tempting to load up the sandwiches with filling, overfilling can make them difficult to eat and cause them to fall apart. Use just enough filling to create a flavorful but manageable sandwich.
* **Ensure Even Sauce Distribution:** Pour the sauce slowly and evenly over the top of the rolls to ensure that every sandwich is infused with flavor. Use a pastry brush to spread the sauce if needed.
* **Cover with Foil:** Covering the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking helps to prevent the rolls from drying out. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the tops to brown.
* **Let the Sandwiches Rest:** Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing them. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to cut.
* **Customize the Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless!
* **Make Ahead Instructions:** Most funeral sandwich recipes can be assembled 12-24 hours in advance. Cover the prepared sandwiches tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Baked and cooled sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Funeral sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides, such as potato salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, or chips.
**Addressing Dietary Restrictions**
Funeral sandwiches can easily be adapted to accommodate various dietary restrictions:
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free rolls and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and butter substitutes.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Utilize plant-based meats and cheeses, or create vegetable-based fillings like the Roasted Vegetable and Pesto option.
* **Low-Sodium:** Opt for low-sodium meats, cheeses, and condiments. Reduce or eliminate the salt in the sauce.
**Beyond Funerals: Versatile Party Food**
While the name might suggest otherwise, funeral sandwiches are far from limited to somber occasions. They are an incredibly versatile party food, perfect for:
* **Game Day Parties:** A crowd-pleasing snack for football games and other sporting events.
* **Potlucks:** Easy to transport and share.
* **Holiday Gatherings:** A convenient and flavorful addition to any holiday spread.
* **Brunch:** A savory alternative to sweet brunch dishes.
* **Casual Dinners:** A quick and easy meal for busy weeknights.
* **Picnics:** Portable and delicious cold or warm.
In conclusion, funeral sandwiches are a comforting, customizable, and convenient dish that transcends their traditional association. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to feed a crowd or simply craving a delicious and satisfying sandwich, these recipes offer something for everyone. Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature funeral sandwich and enjoy the comfort they bring to any occasion.