Monday, October 8, 2012

Funeral Sandwiches


I tried these for the first time yesterday for our semi-annual General Conference luncheon.  I had found several recipes online and read many rave reviews, so I figured I would give them a try.  They were a huge hit.  I combined, then modified two different recipes, so I guess the end-result would be MINE.



Funeral Sandwiches
(I might need to find another name)

Dinner rolls*
24+ slices Black Forest Ham (I used Castlewood brand from Sam's, deli ham would be great too)
24 slices Swiss Cheese (I used the pre-sliced Tillamook, and cut the slices into smaller squares, then also used the edge pieces, 2 edge slices per sandwich)

Slice rolls, if needed.  Squeeze 24 rolls on an 11x15 inch sheet pan (it's okay if they are touching).  Place one slice of ham (some of my slices were super thin, so I added another half slice with those) and one slice of cheese on the bottom half of each roll, then replace tops.

*Most recipes I found called for King's Hawaiian Rolls.  I am not a fan of their texture and sweetness, so I opted to go for the dinner rolls from Sam's Club.  They were perfectly chewy (not spongey) and perfectly sweet with the following sauce.

Sauce of yumminess:
1 cube butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs. poppy seeds (I used slightly less - they are mostly for aesthetics, I think)
1 tsp. onion powder

Mix together with a small whisk.  Brush tops of ham and cheese rolls liberally with sauce, then pour remaining sauce over all.  Cover pan with foil and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake rolls, covered, for 10 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

Since I was making these for a crowd, here are the quantities I used:

3 bags of Sam's dinner rolls (I think there are 36 rolls per bag)
3 pkgs. of Castlewood thinly sliced Black Forest Ham (Sam's)
1-1/2 pkgs. of Tillamook pre-sliced Swiss cheese (Sam's)

That made 4 sheet pans of rolls (96 total), with a few plain rolls left over, which was perfect for guests who may not want/like ham and cheese (only my cute 4 yr. old neighbor friend preferred a pb&j).


YUM-OH.

119 comments:

  1. I love funeral sandwiches! My mom's parents lived in Tennessee my whole life, and when my grandfather passed away, his Baptist church brought in all variations of funeral sandwiches for the family luncheon following. I never knew they were actually called "Funeral Sandwiches" until years later, when the recipes started floating around pinterest.

    I grew up in Indiana, alongside my Dad's Amish family. The Amish call things "church ______", when it's for a big crowd like at their weddings. Church Cookies, Church Salad, etc. To me, that made sense. Then, I moved here to Utah and I was introduced to "Funeral Potatoes", which I quickly learned is served most often around holidays. Why "Funeral" potatoes? I asked. I was told it just means it feeds a "crowd". I guess I've gotten used to it by now. I tried telling someone I was going to make cheesy potato casserole, and when I described what it was, she said, "Oh -- you mean Funeral Potatoes!" Haha. So, I gave up trying to change the name! :)

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    1. Emma...we call them Funeral Potatoes because they are almost always served at the funeral lunches we, as members of the LDS church often provide at funerals. I have had many people at funerals that aren't members of our church come up and ask if we are serving "Those potatoes". They are such yummy comfort food!

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    2. Does the sauce make the rolls soggy? I can't eat soggy rolls but these sound so good I want to make them

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    3. Would someone please post the funeral potatoes recipe?

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    4. Sherri, I skip the refrigeration and that saves them from being soggy. These are SO good!

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    5. The cheesy potato casseroles and sandwiches described above were always called country wedding sandwiches or country wedding potatoes from my grandma in Mich and Ohio- feeds a crowd. Today is the first time I heard "funeral' but now I see it everywhere! Interesting, think I will stick to country wedding :)

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    6. I make them as sated, mine were not soggy.

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  2. Did you multiply the sauce recipe? How much is a cube of butter?

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    1. Linda - Yes, each recipe of the sauce will cover 1 pan of sandwiches, and I have found it best when making multiple trays to make each batch of sauce separately so each tray gets the same amount. A cube of butter = 1/2 cup.

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    2. I think that's a stick of butter :)

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    3. It is called a stick of butter in the East, a cube of butter in the West. The sticks are thinner and longer than the cubes but still 1/2 cup. Funny, huh?

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    4. I like this info, would have never known about the regional differences....

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    5. I've lived on the west coast my entire life and have never heard it called a "cube" of butter.

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    6. I agree, I've lived out west nearly my whole life and never heard it called a "cube" of butter. It is always a stick of butter whether it is a short fat one, or a long skinny one....still a stick :)

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    7. I live in the west and it was called a stick until recently. Now more often than not, it's called a cube. Either way, it's still 1/2 cup.

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    8. I prefer butter be referred by an actual measurement just like other ingredients, ie cup, Tbsp, tsp, Growing up in ND I never heard of butter referred to as stick or cube. Maybe it's because growing up in a small community with a large family, butter was bought as a whole piece measuring one pound. It wasn't cut & packaged in smaller sections.

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    9. Jeeze y'all! Why nitpick the cube of butter vs stick of butter to death? How about being kind and thanking her for taking time to share with us?

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    10. Thank you Debbie H - I was thinking the same thing! Jeez.....

      Thank you for this recipe. We often have large holiday gatherings at my place and this recipe will come in handy and offer up something new!

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    11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Thanks for getting back to me! I am absolutely going to make this for a congregational lunch that is coming up! Looks great!

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    1. I think I re energized this post! How fun! I love that so many are looking for big group recipes! I need more!

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  4. I've made these off and on for a few years. They're delicious. I've never heard them called funeral sandwiches, even after seeing them posted on Pinterest. Maybe just call them something like Hot Ham Sandwiches?

    Funeral Potatoes - Totally a Mormon thing. Lol.

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  5. Replies
    1. I would plan on one batch feeding 12. Most people will have two, some will have one, a few will have three :-)

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  6. Well, funeral potatoes do feed a crowd and they got their name, at least in Utah, because they are served at funerals, usually with ham and green beans, jello and other salads and cake. The Relief Society usually pays for the ham and beans out of their budget and the sisters donate the rest. The fun thing about any of these kinds of recipes, I think, is all of the variations that occur as each person puts their personal preferences on them. I'm looking forward to trying your sandwiches.

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  7. Have you seen a recipe using turkey slices? Wondering what the sauce would be like for turkey.

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    Replies
    1. I've made them with turkey since I don't dig ham. They're delicious!

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  8. We call them ham delights but make them on much smaller rolls....thinking the bigger rolls are the way to go though :)

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    1. Ham delights! That is what we always called them and we used dinner twins in stead of a roll. The original recipe was to take the dinner twins out of the tin they come in and slice it length wise so as to make it like two layers. Put the exact ingredients as used here and then put the top layer back on. place it in the tin it came in and bake. When it came out of the oven you cut it between each roll so as to created small two-bite finger sandwiches. In the 70's it was not uncommon to see this at a bridal or baby shower or a fancy 50th anniversary party. I prefer the new way with the larger roll. Kroger has a wonderful whole wheat roll that is the same size as the one in this recipe and it is so good. Thanks for sharing this and reminding me what a wonderful treat this is.

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    2. What are dinner twins? I've never heard of them...

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    3. Dinner twins are like the brown & serve dinner rolls :)

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  9. Having lived in Utah for 20 something years, I am well used to Funeral potato's. But I hate, despise, cry and throw a fit if someone hands me a plate full of Jello. My kids always loved it when I got sick or had a baby because they would bring in meals with Jello just for my kids. LOL These sandwiches look awesome, gonna have to try them.

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  10. Can these be made ahead and frozen?

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    1. I've never tried freezing them, but would imagine they would work fine since all the ingredients are freezable... Let me know how it works out if you try it!

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  11. I call them "Party Sandwiches." I made this or something similar and took to a church party. I got my recipe from a fellow church member.

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  12. It's funny they were called ham delights. Befor Utah got ahold of "funeral potatoes" they were called Nanny's Tatters. Also, I've lived in the west my entire life too (Utah, Nor Cal, and So. Nevada). I've heard both cube of butter and stick of butter. Most commonly cube in Nor Cal. :)

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  13. Sooooooo these are served cold???

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  14. I know these as football sandwiches...slightly better name!

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  15. How did you keep the first and second batches warm while you cooked the third tray?

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    Replies
    1. I have a double oven and usually bake two pans, then serve those as the remaining pan(s) is/are baking. I have also put two pans in a single oven, rotating them 5 minutes into the "uncovered" baking time, and they turned out great.

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    2. I have also served these at barely-warm-to-near-room-temperature (transferring them to a park after baking them), and people still love them.

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  16. How would these be with pepper jack cheese?

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    1. Yummy! I've tried cheddar cheese when I haven't had Swiss on hand, and they are delicious too.

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    2. I have heard them called "nanny sandwiches" and "camp sandwiches". I make them w/Kings Hawaiian Rolls, Costco black forest ham and Provolone cheese and they are scrumptious!!

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  17. I really like some of the recipes on your blog. I hope this doesn't come across as critical, but these are a couple of observations that I made. Your font, while whimsical and fun, is like trying to read the handwriting of a child. Also, as I look through the recipes, I found a lot of misspelled words. With spell check, my humble opinion is that there should never be a misspelled word on anything that is intended to be published on the internet. When I see that lack of attention to detail, it makes me leery that possibly an ingredient was left out of the recipe, the quantity is wrong, etc. because it doesn't appear that proof reading is happening. Again, I am not trying to offend, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist with recipes. I cater so am always on the look out for recipes, but I would be hesitant to try yours because of the errors and because the blog writing font is difficult. Thank you so much for your time. Good luck in the future with your blog and your grand baby!

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    1. You are welcome to read my "Why a Recipe Blog" page for a better understanding on why I post recipes. I try to avoid spelling errors if at all possible. I refer to these recipes often myself, and have yet to find an omitted ingredient. If you are leery of trying these recipes, by all means refer to a more professional blog :-)

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    2. Deb, you might want to run a spell check on your Profile Introduction. You misspelled the word much.

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    3. I also went to this critical link and found similar errors to the ones that were complained about by the poster. Maybe thinking about the Golden Rule would serve you better than grousing about trivialities.

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    4. I went to the link also, and found errors. I just love it when someone starts out with "I don't mean to be critical"...or "don't take this personally, but..." and "I don't mean to offend you..." LOL! Because, that is just exactly what they are doing! I was offended by a comment on deb's link also...I happen to love hot guys in wrangler jeans...

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    5. Deb, maybe you should try a little spell check of you own...personally I enjoy this site very "MCUH"...Oops! spell check "MUCH"

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    6. "I hope this doesn't come across as critical but...." The "but" means disregard everything i just said, and let me tell you what really mean. why bother with the pretense of trying to come across as "helpful" ? The world really doesn't need that kind of "help". If you really felt so strongly, but wanted to educate her "non critically" you could have sent her a private message instead. The extra step would have just killed you?

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    7. Deb also needs to learn to capitalize proper nouns. And show me a country male that's NOT wearing Wrangler jeans! It might possibly be Kenny Chesney (board shorts) or Tim McGraw (suits), but that's not very often! Stick with alternative music if you don't like Wranglers. And learn some manners....

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    8. DEB HALL - As a Caterer, If a Prospective Client came into Your Establishment and Began to "Critique" Your Business & Products in Such a Way - How Would You Feel ? Your Assessment of this Recipe came Across as Hateful to Many of Us. I for One, am Very Thankful that People take Time out of Their Busy Day to Post Recipes. I also have the Eyesight to Read a Post, Brains to Determine the Ingredients of the Recipe and Knowledge to Keep Hateful Comments to Myself !!!...

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  18. Get real - there are so many SERIOUS problems in the world, don't fret about a typing error or a font type. I'm from the manual typewriter and carbons for copies days, so this is wonderful. I figure if what I type can convey my thought, then that's good. Worry about peace within our borders, ebola, health care, public schools - something that will make a difference in this world.

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  19. My sister makes these sandwiches with small croissants. They are delicious!

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  20. What could be used in place of mustard seeds? I am allergic to it and have yet to decide on a good substitute in some recipes...

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    1. Some online receipts call for Mayo instead. I always use mustard instead of mustard seeds because I feel it gives it more flavor. But if you are allergic then try Mayo.

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  21. Lots of similar recipes use poppy seeds. Celery seeds or hemp or chia seeds? Sesame or just leave them off. We do that for family whom small seeds play havoc with diverticulitis and other disorders.

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  22. I made these, wrapped in foil, and transported them in a crock pot as a pre-wedding lunch for those too busy to eat. They turned out well and no one passed out during the ceremony!
    So now they are wedding sandwiches as well as funeral ones.

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    1. That was delightful to read. And what a clever plan.

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    2. I've made these at Christmas and have taken a batch to our local post office. The folks there get so busy during the holiday season and many times they don't even get to take lunch. They can set these on one of the desks in the back office and grab one when they get a minute (to keep their strength up) They're always well received as although they do get cookies and candy from the customers, it's nice to get something that's substantial and not so sweet.

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  23. Wonder if you could use some kind of vinegar and honey combo to replace the mustard with your allergy?..

    I've never heard of or had sandwiches like this (and learning the cube of butter was new to me too!), and am looking forward to making and serving them at a tailgate.

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    1. I was thinking maybe you could use some horseradish instead of mustard. I'd have to try it out on a small batch for myself though before I made it for a crowd. ;-)

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  24. could they maybe be called Spirit sandwiches?

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  25. My Mom made these with croissants! Yummy! Always a hit...

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  26. These sound so delicious!!! I have a question...Can you actually put meat, cheese AND sliced fried potatoes on the rolls? I am learning :)

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  27. I think that where people are talking about potatoes in the links, they are referring to a separate dish. I have never seen any with potatoes in them...
    good luck! they are really great!

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  28. Do you eat these like a normal sandwich...or is the bread too soggy to hold in your hand? They look scrumptious!

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    1. Yes - eat them like a regular sandwich. They crisp up a little when you bake them once the foil is off, and they really aren't too sticky or messy, at least in my experience ;-)

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  29. Thank you for providing these recipes. They look delicious. I am trying to relearn how to cook after a stroke. I'm only 50, but these things happen. I find the font really hard to read, but that is because of my vision since the stroke, not because your page has anything wrong with it. It helps me to make the font 140% and then I can read it. Maybe that will help some others. I'm grateful for these kinds of recipes because they don't require a stove top. I was wondering if you would be willing to perhaps make a post about this for, say, 6 servings? If you can't, I understand. And I find the title of Funeral Sandwiches to be funny. :) That's quirky and I like it.

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  30. I have a recipe for a very similar sandwich.The friends who gave me the recipe called them "Ghetto Ham Sandwiches." The sauce is very similar but includes garlic powder but no sugar or mustard.

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    1. yes mine calls for: 1t of garlic powder/ 1t onion powder / 1t of poppy seeds, as well as a 1/4 lb. of butter

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  31. These Funeral Sandwiches Look So Good !!!!!!

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  32. Tina - When I made these, the bottom burned. Do you have any suggestions? I assumed it was from the butter that made it's way to the bottom of the pan. Thank you!

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    1. I've never had any burn, so I would guess that it is due to differences in ovens. Maybe try adjusting the temp...?

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  33. For a crowd you said you used 3 packages of Black Forest Ham. Can you please tell me the weight of each package of ham so I can adjust for a different brand of ham? Thanks

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    1. They are 22 oz packages and the ham is thinly sliced.

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  34. What about using a chafing pan? Do you think the bread will get soggy from the steam from the bottom pan?

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  35. As a random FYI - don't eat poppy seeds before getting drug tested because it will test positive for opium.

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    1. That could happen Pam but most states have raised the testing level in order to alleviate that after several lawsuits. I love poppy seeds and eat them in bread, muffins, bagels etc, on a regular basis and work for the Federal Government and have never tested positive. I think that people will be safe eating a couple of Funeral sandwiches.

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  36. When you make this for a large group do you increase the sauce amount? Or is the recipe for the sauce the amount needed when you made the 96 rolls? Hope this makes sense. Excited to try them!

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    1. The sauce amount is per pan (1/2 sheet pan size) of sandwiches (24).

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  37. are the rolls already baked...not like brown and serve where you have to bake them?

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    1. Lynda, yes they are prebaked rolls. In my neck of the woods we mostly use Kings Hawaiian rolls which are a small, sweet, prebaked dinner roll.

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  38. Tina, very NICE job! Keep on posting just the way you are!!!! Others will no doubt learn to adjust or change items to meet their own needs thus the phrase, "To each their own!" It is PERFECT just the way it is!!! :D

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  39. I'm making these right now. They smell wonderful and I can't wait to try them! I did notice after the first 10 minutes of baking that the bottoms were getting very crisp so I turned the temp down to 300 for the rest of the baking. They should be done soon and then it's feast time. I will up date after I eat them. Although if they taste half as good as they smell definitely 2 thumps up!!

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    1. Yep, just as expected they were fabulous!

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  40. Do these travel well? I would love to make these for a family reunion that will be 30 minutes from where I live. If covered in foil, will they become soggy? I remember eating these at weddings, years ago and they were delicious!

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  41. Very nice post, impressive. its quite different from other posts. Thanks for sharing.
    Restaurant Near Venkateshwara College

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  42. Tina, the post is wonderful! The photo is so picturesque that I want a roll right now. No fair to tease me like that. ;)

    And please forget Deb Hall. There is always one negative Deb in the bunch!

    So let me ask you this: What if I substitute dijon mustard for another type of mustard, do you think it would ruin the texture of the rolls?

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    1. Meaning do you think it would make them soggy or do you think that all mustards are hearty enough that it may be okay? I had some dijon mustard before and it was not tasty at all, but I wonder if that is because of the brand type I used. Any thoughts on that is welcomed. I cannot wait to make these today. They are going to be used for a real funeral though. Well I am taking them to a wake.

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  43. I have lived in Colorado all my life. Most of the people I know always state a "cube of butter"! Just sayin
    Lets rename these sandwiches so they sound more exciting and less morbid. Lol

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  44. Since we are discussing regional differences, here is my two cents worth.

    I'm sure the folks who were being critical didn't intend to be mean-spirited, BUT it's such a shame they don't have the decency to just graciously thank Tina for this wonderful information...bless their hateful little hearts!

    Translation (In case you don't speak "Southern"): What a bunch of rude people! LOL

    Thank you Tina, for your time & effort. This recipe does indeed look Yum-oh! Please keep blogging!!! :)

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  45. Google funeral potatoes and you'll find the recipe!

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  46. 2nd time making these for my family. Taking to in-laws due to my sons asking for them. Tried and true old-fashioned recipe. The best and thank you for your insight added to your recipe.

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  47. I read a lot of the comments and just wanted to say to the lady that got upset about the comments made about stick/cube of butter. She felt like people were fussing about what a 1/2 cup of butter should be called, I think. However, I saw it as everyone saying what they were used to the 1/2 cup being called. I don't see a problem with that like she did, I actually thought it was very interesting to see the difference in what it is called. Personally, I am from Georgia and we either say a 1/2 cup or a stick. I've never heard of a cube but I learned something and I want to say thanks to all of those that commented on what they were used to it being called. Sometimes people misconstrue conversations as arguments. I just want to say thank you to all of those that did share what they were used to. I love learning new, what some call useless, information. I was wondering, because I did not read every single comment, did anyone ever post the Funeral Potatoes recipe? I'd love to have it. If not and someone wants to share, please send it to my email. I will go ahead and thank everyone now in case someone does share. Thanks y'all!! (Southern for you all just in case someone has never heard that term.) My email is tprater92@gmail.com

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