Ready in about 30 minutes, these baked funeral sandwiches, also called ham and cheese sliders; we call them Hammy Sammies! Make these ham sliders with deli ham or leftover ham, Swiss cheese, King’s Hawaiian Rolls and to-die-for brown sugar, Dijon, and Worcestershire butter sauce!
This is one of our family’s favorite recipes! Use deli sliced ham or leftover honey-baked ham. These sliders are the perfect party food; they are great for a Super Bowl Party, holiday appetizer, Easter brunch, Christmas afternoon, Father’s Day, or simply for dinner!

Reader Review
These have become a Christmas tradition. Thanks, Kathleen! ~ Tracy
Made these for a party and they were the first to go! Absolutely delicious! ~ Debra
Why You Will Love this Easy Recipe
- Game Day Party Food | Sliders are a great idea for football food!
- Easily Doubles | Make a double batch for a large crowd!
- Brunch, Lunch, Main Dish, Appetizer | Hammy sammies are great any time of the day!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, you can Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Simple Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sliders
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls | Sweet Hawaiian rolls are the best for these ham and cheese sandwiches, but use brioche slider buns or your favorite slider rolls; even Keto slider buns work!
- Ham | Use leftover ham, shaved ham, Hawaiian ham or deli ham;
- Cheese | I love ham and Swiss cheese, but I use your favorite cheese!
- Sauce | For this delicious, savory sauce, we use butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
- Poppy Seeds | These are a personal preference, I prefer not to, but use them if you love them!

By the way, if you love a delicious, gooey sandwich, you must try these Cheesesteak Sandwiches or my popular Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, so good!
What is a Funeral Sandwich?
Did you know that these hot ham and cheese sandwiches are commonly called Funeral Sandwiches?
The term “Funeral Sandwiches” is derived from their historical role as a comforting and simple-to-make food, frequently served at Southern gatherings held in memory of loved ones, potlucks, or pretty much any event that demands a speedy and delectable crowd-pleasing dish, have you tried Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral Sandwiches are a breeze, using everyday Hawaiian rolls as your base. Layering the sweet rolls with nutty Swiss cheese, add a generous portion of salty ham, and then brush it all with a sweet and zest Dijon butter mixture. It’s a flavor explosion!

How to Make Funeral Sandwiches
So how do you make these ham and cheese sliders with brown sugar? The original recipe for these funeral sandwiches has them “marinate” in the sauce for 4 hours, it can even hang out in the refrigerator overnight. But I have successfully made and baked them right away.
Don’t be afraid that they’ll get too soggy “marinating” when they bake it creates a golden, gooey, crispy buttery crust on the bottom. Trust the reviews!
Step 1 | Preheat the Oven, Slice the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C) and grease a casserole dish. Using a serrated bread knife, slice the entire pack of rolls in half. If you are worried about soggy bottom buns, slice the bottom halves of rolls thicker than the top half of the soft Hawaiian rolls.

Step 2 | Assemble the Ham and Swiss Sliders recipe
Next, start the process for what separates the “Hawaiian Hammy Sammy” from being a plain ol’ ham and cheese sandwich.
Mix together the melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl or saucepan. This little measuring cup is one of my favorite kitchen tools!
Whisk in the mustard; use regular, honey mustard, yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard or Dijon, your preference.
Then, plunk the packed brown sugar into the saucepan. Bring to a simmer for a few seconds until it thickens slightly, 40-60 seconds or so, stirring while it simmers.


Spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper and lay the bottom half of the rolls in the bottom pan.
Layer the slices of ham on top of the bottom halves of rolls. Then layer the cheese on top of ham; you can use any type, but ham and Swiss cheese sliders are the bomb.



Fresh Tip
- The thinner the cheese slices, the more easily it will melt.
Place the buns on top, then brush or drizzle the sauce evenly over the Hawaiian roll sliders, brushing onto the sides and top buns.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.




Bake immediately or place in refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before placing in the oven.
Bake covered hammy sammies for 6 minutes, then uncover them for the balance of baking. Bake until you see melted cheese, hot ham, and golden brown tops.
Fresh Tip
- Many of ham and cheese slider recipes have poppy seeds sprinkled on top. I am not a huge fan of poppy seeds (they get stuck in my teeth, ya know), so I leave them off. But if desired, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds over the butter sauce on the top of the Hawaiian sweet rolls.
Let the sliders cool just slightly and serve. These are fabulous warm or room temp.
Using a long sharp knife, cut through the slider buns and serve!

The original recipe was posted in 2017, and updated for a better reader experience.
Variations and Substitutions
The sky is the limit on this classic recipe for ham sandwiches!
- Use your favorite ham, whether it’s leftover Easter ham or Christmas, honey-baked ham, or spicy ham, use your favorite.
- Replace the cheese with your favorite flavor; try cheddar cheese, provolone, sharp cheddar, Muenster, Havarti…you get the idea. Slice it thinner so it melts easier.
- Readers have asked if they can not put the mustard in, it doesn’t have a heavy mustard flavor, but if you prefer not to, leave it out.
- Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder if desired.
Keto (Low-Carb) Ham and Cheese Sliders
I am told that Aldi’s carries great Keto slider buns, replace the Hawaiian Sweet rolls with those or your favorite brand. Load up the ham and cheese, melt butter for the sauce, and swap the brown sugar for a brown sugar replacement (I like this one).
Gluten-Free Ham and Cheese Slider Recipe
So many options these days! Replace the sweet rolls with your favorite gluten-free slider bun, double check your mustard and Worcestershire sauce to make sure they are gluten-free (Lee & Perrins is GF) and bake away.

Storage Tips
Store leftover funeral sandwiches in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze completely cooled funeral sliders by wrapping well in an airtight container, freeze up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Funeral Sandwiches
To reheat leftover sliders, preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C) and place leftover sliders in a baking dish covered with foil and bake for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through, removing the foil for the last 3-5 minutes.
Can I keep sliders warm in a crock pot?
Yes! Using your crock pot is a great way to keep them warm, grab-and-go style! Allow the sliders to cool for about 10 minutes, then wrap each slider individually in aluminum foil, place in a crockpot, lay some paper towels or a clean tea towel between the lid and the crock (this catches any condensation) and place the lid on, turn the slow cooker on warm.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if baked, cooled completely and wrap well. If before baking, add the sauce or leave it off until ready to bake, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. (Don’t forget to take off the plastic wrap!)
Popular variations include using turkey or roast beef instead of ham, adding different cheeses, and experimenting with various sauces and condiments. You can get creative to suit your preferences.
You can assemble the sliders and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a convenient option for parties and gatherings.
Ham Sliders with Poppy Seeds
While most traditional recipes include poppy seeds in the buttery sauce or sprinkled on top, in this recipe, the poppy seeds are optional. If you love poppy seeds, add up to a tablespoon. Either stir into the sauce and brush on, or sprinkle on top of the Hawaiian rolls after brushing on the sauce. Bake as usual. Adds a unique crunch!
So what are you waiting for? Make the best ham and cheese sliders recipe today!

Best 15 Slider Sides
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the savory sliders. It’s a classic side that’s easy to prepare.
- Potato Salad: A homemade potato salad with a tangy dressing or a creamy version can be a delightful side dish.
- Chips: Classic potato chips or various flavored chips can add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy and colorful element to your plate.
- Green Salad: Make these simple Romaine wedge salads to accompany your sliders.
- Pickle Spears: Pickles, whether dill or bread and butter, can provide a tangy and crunchy side that complements the sliders.
- Soup: Serve your sliders with a cup of soup like tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or chicken noodle soup for a comforting combination.
- Vegetable Platter: A platter of fresh, crisp veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips with a dip, such as ranch or hummus, offers a healthy contrast to the sliders.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A classic mac and cheese or a gourmet version can be a decadent side dish.
- Baked Beans: A side of baked beans, whether homemade or canned, adds a hearty and flavorful component to your meal.
- Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs are a popular party dish and make for a delightful finger food alongside sliders.
- Fries: Classic French fries or sweet potato fries are a favorite accompaniment to sliders.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus make a tasty and healthy side dish.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses, crackers, and some fresh or dried fruits for a more upscale pairing with your sliders.
- Dips: Various dips, such as spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, or guacamole with tortilla chips, can be a crowd-pleasing side option.

More Great Slider Recipes
- Easy Baked Meatball Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
- Easy Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls (30 Minute Meal)
- Easy Breakfast Egg Sandwich Recipe (Breakfast Sliders)
- Roast Beef Sliders
- Easy Oven Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe
This recipe easily DOUBLES! Make it on a sheet pan or in two casserole dishes; great for a crowd!
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Hammie Sammies {Funeral Sandwiches}
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Print Pin Save RateEquipment
- 11-Inch Better Balloon Whisk
- Lodge Cast Iron Melting Pot
Ingredients
FOR THE SLIDERS
- 1 package Hawaiian Rolls 12 rolls, we like the King's sweet rolls for this, use your favorite.
- ½ lb deli ham sliced thin or use leftover ham
- ½ lb swiss cheese sliced thing (try different cheeses as well, Havarti, Cheddar, Provolone, Mozzarella)
SAUCE
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon or use your favorite
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoons poppy seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C) and spray 9×13" pan with non-stick spray. Using a serrated knife cut the rolls in half, 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. Spray a piece of foil with non-stick spray and seal rolls tightly.
- Bake immediately or refrigerate for 4 – 24 hours.
- Bake with foil on for 6 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 9-12 minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are slightly crusty on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
These were delicious!! I doubled the recipe to take to a potluck, but I only made one batch of the butter sauce for health reasons and they were still yummy!
Perfect! I love how you made it healthier for your family!
These are the perfect handheld appetizer!!
They really are!!
I love how versatile this recipe is! So delicious!
It really is!
I don’t see a funeral in my future (thankfully), but I DO see these sliders in my future. I foresee them on the table tonight!
Thank for that Beth!
I always have loved these little ham sliders. So delicious and so easy. Love that you call them “hammie sammies”!
Haha, it’s what we’ve always called them!
This was so good for batch making some sandwiches. I will definitely be making these again.
Yes!
Made this over the weekend for my kids and their friends and it was a total hit!! I hope to make this again!
Love this!! Thank you for letting me know!
Made them for our busy night dinner and they were fantastic {used havarti for our cheese}. Even my “we don’t do sandwiches” girls gobbled them up!
Yay! I love mom wins in the kitchen!!
These sliders are EXCELLENT. We’ll be making them for all kinds of occasions in the future.
So easy, so yummy, and everyone loves ’em — just the perfect party food!
Question-If I freeze these for later do I pour the sauce before freezing or before baking?? Thanks!
Hi Cindy — You could do it either way, but if you wait to put the sauce on, be sure to either thaw the sammmies ahead of time and pour the sauce on and marinate, or pour the sauce on over the frozen sammies so they have plenty of time to hang out in the sauce. Hope you love them!
These are yummy! So easy to fix too!
We just bought a ham and had plenty of leftovers after dinner. I made this recipe for a small tailgating gathering and everyone just loved it.
These are OUTSTANDING!!! Thanks for the great recipe!
Thank you Lynn!
Perfect for a party! Delicious, tried and true recipe!
I made these for a fun lunch this weekend and they were gone so quick! I know that these are on my big game menu for sure!
Yahoo!! You are the best!
We just love these sliders! The sauce especially- fantastic!!!
These were easy to make and amazing! Making them again this weekend. Yum!
These have become a Christmas tradition. Thanks Kathleen!
Love hearing that Tracy!! Thank you my friend!
I made these for our extended family Christmas party and they were a big hit! Used roast beef and havarti; turkey and provolone and assembled the night before. Just delicious!
Made these for a party and they were the first to go! Absolutely delicious!
These sammy’s are going to be so popular at our Superbowl party!
These were a huge hit at our watch party this weekend!
YAY!! Thanks for commenting!
These are so good, I made them FOR our small Easter dinner this year!
Thanks Allie! Love to hear that!
Thanks for this recipe Kathleen! We get a ham every year at Christmas and this is going to be a new tradition for us for sure! So delicious!!!!
YAY! I know if you have not had them before you will love them!
Thanks for this recipe Kathleen! We get a ham every year at Christmas and this is going to be a new tradition for us for sure! So delicious!!!!
I ate quite a few of these….very delish!
All I can say is “Geesh!!!” ??
I ate quite a few of these….very delish!