Ham and Cheese Sliders aka "Funeral Sandwiches"

These are quick and easy little slider sandwiches that have been given the name "Funeral Sandwiches" - when I saw the title I had to do a little research! I found this article and this is the excerpt that sums up the history of the name:

History
Funeral sandwiches get their name because, very simply, they are a type of sandwich often served at funerals. Showering the family of the recently deceased with food gifts is a Southern tradition that dates back to as early as 1779. According to the Oxford Encyclopedia for Food and Drink in America, common funeral food gifts include "fried chicken, baked ham, potato salad, deviled eggs, rolls, pound cake, and endless pies." Casseroles and "funeral potatoes" (hash browns, sour cream, and cream soup that is topped with a cornflake crust) are also popular.

The recipe we used comes from Sunday Baker. I had seen the photo and name on Pinterest during one of my numerous browsing episodes, and when I discovered I had a packet of King's Hawaiian rolls, some sliced cheese, and some ham lunchmeat to use up I knew exactly which recipe I needed to go locate!

These sandwiches should be assembled and need to marinate in the sauce for 4 - 24 hours prior to baking, so make sure to plan a little ahead. We allowed ours to soak for about 24 hours just due to how things worked out! My poor refrigerator has been on overflow mode recently. It's stuffed full of a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, and that doesn't leave much room for leftovers or things that need to be left to soak in marinade! We squished it in there though!

You can change up the meat and cheese to whatever combination you prefer - roast beef and provolone, turkey and cheddar, etc. Mix and match to your family's personal preferences. These work great for a large get together, potluck, or party, but work great for a couple hungry boys you need to feed too! My hubby and hungry teenager both happily gobbled up almost the entire pan for dinner!

Ham and Cheese Sliders (aka Funeral Sandwiches) slightly adapted from Sunday Baker

Ingredients
1 package of King's Hawaiian Rolls
1/2-1 lb. good ham deli lunch meat
Swiss cheese, thinly sliced (about 10 slices, cut to fit)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
3 TBS Worcestershire sauce
2 TBS mustard
2 TBS brown sugar
1/4 tsp onion powder

Directions

1. Cut the rolls in half and line the bottom of a baking pan with the bottoms of the rolls (gently break them apart into individual rolls). Layer the ham slices, cheese, and place the top half of the roll back on.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar and onion powder. Whisk together thoroughly until smooth. Pour the sauce over the buns, drenching each. Cover tightly with cling wrap and marinade anywhere from 4 - 24 hours.
3. When you're ready to cook; preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 15 minutes uncovered, or until cheese is melted and bun tops are lightly browned and have a little crunch to them.

Link Parties:
Pin Junkie
Motivate Me Monday
Marvelous Mondays
Melt In Your Mouth Monday