Funeral Sandwiches Recipe

Hawaiian rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that provide the perfect base for the sandwiches.

Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham adds a savory and salty flavor.

Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.

Butter: Used in the topping mixture to add richness.

Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor to the butter mixture.

Poppy seeds: Provide a slight crunch and visual appeal.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the topping.

Minced onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture to the butter mixture.

When preparing the butter mixture for these sandwiches, make sure to thoroughly whisk all the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavors. This will help the mustard, poppy seeds, worcestershire sauce, and minced onion meld perfectly with the melted butter, creating a cohesive and flavorful topping for the hawaiian rolls. Additionally, when pouring the mixture over the sandwiches, use a spoon or brush to spread it evenly, ensuring every roll gets a generous coating. This will enhance the overall taste and texture of the funeral sandwiches.

• hawaiian rolls - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns have a similar sweetness and soft texture, making them a good alternative.

• ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices provide a leaner option while still offering a savory flavor.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone has a mild flavor and melts well, similar to Swiss cheese.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a healthier fat option while still adding richness.

• mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a similar tangy flavor but with a bit more complexity.

• poppy seeds - Substitute with sesame seeds: Sesame seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar umami flavor, though it is slightly saltier.

• minced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.

• Allow the funeral sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the sandwiches from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the sandwiches have been stored.
• Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• For frozen sandwiches, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover funeral sandwiches on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the ham and swiss cheese are heated through and the rolls are warm.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the sandwiches on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the hawaiian rolls from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwiches inside. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are slightly crispy.

• For an even more gourmet touch, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the ham is warmed through. This method will give you a delightful, slightly toasted exterior.

• Oven: Used to preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake the sandwiches.

• Baking dish: Holds the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls and the assembled sandwiches for baking.

• Knife: Cuts the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.

• Mixing bowl: Combines the melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion.

• Measuring cups: Measures the melted butter.

• Measuring spoons: Measures the mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion.

• Aluminum foil: Covers the baking dish during the initial baking period.

• Spatula: Helps to spread the butter mixture evenly over the sandwiches.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing and removing the baking dish from the oven.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Pre-slice the ham and swiss cheese and mix the butter mixture the night before to save time.

Use pre-minced onion: Opt for store-bought minced onion to cut down on prep time.

Assemble in bulk: Lay out all hawaiian rolls and layer the ham and cheese assembly-line style for efficiency.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you assemble the sandwiches to save time.