Virginia Ham Sandwiches
You more than likely have seen this recipe many times in various versions.
They are also known as “Funeral Sandwiches”. It was named so because you make these in advance and put them in the refrigerator, then take them out and bake them. It was convenient to serve these at family gatherings after a Funeral or Memorial service.
I like to call my version Virginia Ham Sandwiches. They are always a favorite and go fast whenever you make them.
No need for toppings with this one, just bake and serve!
VIRGINIA HAM SANDWICHES
Ingredients:
- 2 Packages Sweet Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (12 count)
- 2 Pounds Virginia Ham (from the deli)
- 12 Slices Swiss Cheese
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter plus 2 Tablespoons
- 2 Teaspoons Worcestershire
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Poppy Seeds
Directions:
1. Separate and place the bottoms only of Rolls in two 9 x 13 pans (12 rolls in each pan)
2. Place Ham on top of the Roll bottoms. About 1 and 1/2 slices on each Roll
3. Cut the Swiss Cheese Slices into 4 pieces and place 2 pieces each, on top of the Ham
4. Now place the Dinner Roll tops on the Sandwiches
5. In a saucepan, combine the Butter, Worcestershire, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Poppy Seeds over low heat until the butter melts
6. Brush the Butter mixture over all the Ham Sandwiches.
7. Cover the 2 pans of Sandwiches tightly with foil and put in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight
8. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake the Sandwiches uncovered for 15 minutes or just until the cheese is melted.
These Sandwiches are great served warm or at room temperature.
Recipe by: Hot Dish Homemaker
These ham sandwiches are AWESOME! I used homemade buns for mine, and did not use the entire butter mixture. They are easy to make and great for parties.
I found your site by following the link you provided in a comment about a recipe for funeral sandwiches (I think the blog writer’s response to your comment was “I don’t think it will make much difference” lol someone’s awfully defensive about her recipes). Oh yes it does indeed make a huge difference! This is a much better recipe than those that call for pouring the mixture over the sandwiches – what a soggy mess that makes! Thanks for this much-improved version of funeral sandwiches!
I make these sandwiches for every family occasion or get together that they so look forward to. Actually these are great cold from the refrigerator after cooked. Seems like they marinate even more. Just simply one of our favorites!
Hello! These look very good! I’m wondering, do you need to spray the dish with pam first? Also, are you just brushing the tops or do you allow the butter mixture to fully coat the sandwiches and run to the bottom of the pan. I’m afraid they will turn out soggy.
No you don’t need to spray the pan. Trust me they won’t get soggy. I know it seems like a lot of butter mixture but it is the accurate amount. The tops will be nice and golden and they will have a great buttery flavor. Yes, as you brush on the mixture it will run down the sides of the sandwiches which is exactly what you want. They won’t last long….everybody loves these sandwiches!
Also.. I noticed that you don’t use brown sugar like many of the other recipes call for. Does it make them to sweet? Thanks!
No I don’t use Sugar, in my opinion it would be too sweet. I think you might agree if you give this recipe a try. The flavor is just right.
I am planning to make these for my son’s graduation party. However, my oven space is limited as I will be preparing for the party in my camper. I’m wondering if I can make these and then put them in an electric roaster to cook and keep warm? What do you think?
I would suggest you make a batch the week prior and give it a whirl. Really the only way to know for sure if the roaster will work. Please let me know if they turn out.
They taste great if you place a thin pickle slice in each sandwich, too!