If you love comforting, delicious food, there’s one dish that may hold a special place in your heart: the humble funeral sandwich.
Before the name gives you pause, rest assured that these sandwiches are anything but gloomy. They are a beloved staple at Southern gatherings, church homecomings, family reunions, potlucks, and memorial receptions. Depending on where you live, you may also hear them called party sandwiches, ham and cheese sliders, or Hawaiian roll sliders.
Let’s explore what funeral sandwiches are, where they got their unusual name, and why they remain a favorite across generations.
What Is a Funeral Sandwich?
A funeral sandwich is a baked, make-ahead slider designed to feed a crowd with minimal effort. Because they can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving, they’re ideal for gatherings of all kinds.
A classic funeral sandwich includes:
Soft dinner rolls, such as Hawaiian sweet rolls or potato rolls
Thinly sliced ham
Swiss, cheddar, or provolone cheese
A buttery topping made with melted butter, mustard, and seasonings
Optional toppings like poppy seeds, dried onion, or herbs
How They’re Made
Slice the entire package of rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls.
Layer the ham and cheese over the bottom half.
Replace the top half of the rolls.
Brush the tops generously with the seasoned butter mixture.
Bake until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
The result is a tray of warm, cheesy sandwiches that tends to disappear quickly.
Why Are They Called Funeral Sandwiches?
