Funeral sandwiches, also known as Hawaiian roll sliders, are a beloved Southern treat, and for good reason. Imagine salty ham, melty Swiss cheese, all nestled in fluffy Hawaiian rolls and glazed with a tangy-sweet Dijon brown sugar butter. These aren’t just your average ham and cheese sliders; they’re an elevated experience with a caramelized, irresistible crust. Perfect for potlucks, game day, or any gathering, these Pioneer Woman inspired Hawaiian roll sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Hawaiian roll sliders with melted cheese and ham, golden brown crust, presented in a white baking dish, showcasing a close-up view of the delicious texture and glaze.
What Makes These Hawaiian Roll Sliders “Pioneer Woman” Style?
While often called “funeral sandwiches” due to their history at church gatherings, these sliders are pure comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Think of Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, and her signature style: approachable, flavorful recipes that everyone loves. These Hawaiian roll sliders embody that spirit. They’re simple to make, use readily available ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The brown sugar Dijon glaze is the secret weapon, creating a sweet and tangy crust reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s beloved sweet and savory combinations.
These sliders are incredibly versatile and customizable, making them ideal for busy home cooks. Unlike some recipes that demand overnight soaking, this version offers flexibility. Marinate them for just an hour if you’re short on time, or prep them a day ahead for ultimate convenience. This make-ahead quality is a lifesaver for party planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these addictive sliders, along with some handy substitutions:
- Butter: Salted butter is preferred for extra flavor, but unsalted works just as well – just add a pinch of salt. Avoid margarine as it can lead to soggy sliders due to its high water content.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work beautifully, adding sweetness and contributing to that gorgeous caramelized crust.
- Dijon Mustard: Tangy Dijon mustard provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the brown sugar. Honey mustard or grainy mustard can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a depth of savory umami that is essential to the glaze. While there isn’t a true substitute, in a pinch, soy sauce could offer a similar (though not identical) salty, savory note.
- Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the show! Their slight sweetness and fluffy texture are what make these sliders so irresistible. However, Parker House rolls or pretzel rolls could also be used for variations in flavor and texture.
- Ham: Use your favorite sliced ham! Virginia ham, honey ham, or even leftover Easter ham are all excellent choices. The saltiness of the ham is key to balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
- Swiss Cheese: Classic and nutty Swiss cheese is the traditional choice and complements the ham perfectly. For variations, consider white cheddar, Havarti, or provolone for different melt and flavor characteristics.
Close-up shot of preparing Hawaiian roll sliders, layering ham and Swiss cheese onto the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking pan, showcasing the ingredients and assembly process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ham and Cheese Sliders with Brown Sugar Dijon Glaze
Creating these Pioneer Woman inspired Hawaiian roll sliders is incredibly simple. The main factor to consider is your available time, as marinating enhances the flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time: 1 hour (minimum) to overnight (optional)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brown Sugar Dijon Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. For a quicker cooking time and enhanced caramelization, you can simmer this mixture briefly in a saucepan over low heat until slightly thickened, then let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour about 3-4 tablespoons of the brown sugar Dijon sauce into the bottom, just enough to coat the base of the dish. This will create a delicious caramelized bottom crust.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and separate them. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Cheese and Ham: Arrange half of the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the bottom buns. Then, layer all of the sliced ham on top of the cheese. Finally, top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
- Top with Roll Tops and Glaze: Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese and ham layers. Drizzle the remaining brown sugar Dijon sauce evenly over the tops of the rolls, ensuring each roll is nicely coated. For an optional touch, sprinkle poppy seeds evenly over the glazed tops at this stage.
- Marinate (Optional but Recommended): Tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to overnight. Marinating allows the rolls to soak up the flavorful glaze, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful sliders. If you simmered the sauce, you can bake them immediately if desired.
- Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey, and the sliders are heated through.
- Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal.
Baked Hawaiian roll sliders, golden brown and bubbly, fresh out of the oven in a white baking dish, ready to be served, highlighting the warm, melted cheese and caramelized glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Why are they sometimes called “funeral sandwiches?”
The name “funeral sandwiches” comes from their tradition of being served at church gatherings and receptions following funeral services in the Southern United States. They were a convenient and crowd-pleasing dish for such occasions.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, marinating them in the refrigerator for at least an hour or even overnight is recommended for the best flavor and texture. This make-ahead quality is what makes them perfect for parties and potlucks.
How do I prevent the bottoms of the sliders from getting too soggy?
These sliders are known for being slightly moist and “soggy” in the best way possible due to the glaze soaking into the rolls. If you prefer a drier bottom, reduce the amount of sauce you pour into the bottom of the baking dish. This will allow the tops to still caramelize beautifully while keeping the bottoms slightly crisper. Simmering the glaze beforehand can also help create a quicker caramelization and less overall sogginess.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Roll Sliders
These Hawaiian roll sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic Southern spread, consider serving them alongside:
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy white cheddar mac and cheese is a comforting and complementary side.
- Black Eyed Peas: Instant Pot black-eyed peas offer a flavorful and traditional Southern side.
- Potato Salad: Southern pimento cheese potato salad adds a zesty and creamy element.
For other appetizer options to create a full party spread, try:
- Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: Serve with a sweet chili mayo for dipping.
- Cajun Deviled Eggs: Spicy and flavorful deviled eggs for a kick.
- Dried Beef Cheese Ball: A classic cheese ball for a retro touch.
These Pioneer Woman inspired Hawaiian roll sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Their ease of preparation, make-ahead convenience, and irresistible flavor will make them a repeat favorite at your gatherings!
