Ham and Cheese Sliders with Brown Sugar (Funeral Sandwiches)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
12 sandwiches
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Calories
309 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Ham and Cheese Sliders with Brown Sugar (Funeral Sandwiches)
Description
This recipe uses Hawaiian sweet rolls split and layered with thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese. The rolls are cut so the bottom is slightly thicker to prevent sogginess. A butter sauce made from melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar is simmered briefly to thicken and brushed generously over the assembled sliders, soaking into the bread and adding moistness and flavor. Optional poppy seeds, onion powder, or garlic powder add an additional savory note.
After baking, the rolls become soft and flavorful with a balance between the salty ham, mild Swiss cheese, and the sweet, tangy butter sauce. The sliders serve well at events or as hearty snacks. They can be refrigerated before baking to let flavors meld or baked right away.
The recipe adapts easily to quantity changes, freezing, or substitutions like gluten-free or keto buns. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or crockpot. Adjust toppings according to taste preferences.
Ingredients
FOR THE SLIDERS
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls 12 rolls, we like the King's sweet rolls for this, use your favorite or similar.
- ¾ - 1 lb ham sliced thin or use leftover holiday ham, deli
- ½ lb swiss cheese about 12 slices, sliced thin (try different cheeses as well, Havarti, Cheddar, Provolone, Mozzarella)
Butter Sauce
- ½ cup butter melted, salted or unsalted
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard or use your favorite
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar packed, I use light, but dark may be used
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds optional, or try Everything Bagel seasoning or keep them naked (my fave)
- 1 tablespoon onion or 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, optional, dried
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic, this is optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C) and spray 9x13" pan with spray oil. Using a serrated knife cut the rolls in half, slicing the bottom half slightly thicker than the top half (this helps them from getting too soggy) keeping them in their "slab" form. Remove the "tops" of the rolls and set aside.
- Place the ham slices evenly over the bottom of the rolls, then repeat with the cheese. Replace the tops on the rolls, set aside to make the sauce.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan. Once melted, add Worcestershire sauce, mustard and brown sugar. Whisk well, bringing to a simmer for 30-60 seconds until thickens slightly and is bubbly. If adding, stir in poppy seeds or sprinkle on top of buttery buns.
- Pour sauce evenly over the rolls, using a pastry brush to brush the sides and cracks with the buttery sauce. If using, sprinkle with poppy seeds, or Everything Bagel seasoning.
- Bake immediately or refrigerate for 4 - 24 hours. With or without sauce. The original recipe had them "marinate" for 4 hours, but I've since discovered you can bake them right away, so either way you choose, they are delish!
- Cover with lightly oiled (spray) foil and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and remove the foil. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are browned and slightly crisp. Slice and serve immediately and watch everyone come back for thirds!
Notes
- Optional additions include poppy seeds, dried onion, or garlic powder to deepen flavor.
- Double or triple the recipe to serve larger groups using sheet pans and foil to contain the sauce.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prepare and freeze unbaked sliders for convenience, baking straight from frozen with added time.
- Swap Hawaiian rolls for keto or gluten-free buns as needed, adjusting sauce for dietary preferences.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12sandwiches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 309 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1slider | |
| Calories | 309kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 65mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 549mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 113mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 395IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 176mg | 18% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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