The Ultimate Brown Sugar Ham Snack Squares: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Party Appetizer

When it comes to hosting a gathering, few snacks disappear faster than a tray of warm, golden-brown sliders. Brown Sugar Ham Snack Squares—often referred to as “funeral sandwiches” or “ham and cheese sliders”—have become a staple at tailgates, holiday parties, and family reunions for a reason. They offer the perfect trifecta of flavors: salty ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a signature buttery glaze infused with brown sugar and tangy mustard. The beauty of these snack squares lies in their simplicity; by using Hawaiian sweet rolls and a quick stovetop glaze, you can create a high-impact appetizer with minimal prep time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sandwiches:

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: 1 pack (12-count)

• Deli Ham: 12–15 thin slices (honey or smoked ham works best)

• Swiss Cheese: 6–8 slices (or enough to cover the rolls)

• Optional: Pickles or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)

• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, packed

• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon

• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon

• Poppy Seeds: 1 tablespoon

• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Slice the Rolls: Without pulling the individual rolls apart, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.

3. Layer the Filling: Layer the ham evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Follow with a layer of Swiss cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back over the cheese to close the sandwiches.

4. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Whisk constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar has fully dissolved.

5. Apply the Glaze: Slowly pour the warm glaze over the rolls, using a pastry brush to ensure every inch of the tops and sides is coated. Sprinkle the poppy seeds evenly over the top.

6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 10–12 minutes to melt the cheese. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.

7. Serve: Let the squares sit for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set slightly, then slice along the roll lines and serve warm.

Elevating the Flavor Profile

While the classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are several ways to elevate your Brown Sugar Ham Snack Squares to suit specific tastes. The secret is in the balance of the glaze. If you prefer a more pronounced tang, increase the Dijon mustard or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, whisking a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha into the butter mixture creates a “hot honey” effect that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese.

The choice of ham also plays a significant role in the final outcome. While standard deli ham is convenient, using leftover spiral-cut holiday ham adds a rustic texture and a deeper smoky flavor. If you choose a very salty ham, you may want to reduce the Worcestershire sauce slightly to keep the sodium levels in check. Conversely, if you use a very sweet honey ham, doubling the poppy seeds or adding a pinch of garlic powder can provide a savory counterpoint that keeps the snack from feeling like a dessert.

Tips for Bulk Preparation and Hosting

One of the greatest advantages of ham snack squares is how well they scale for large crowds. If you are hosting a Super Bowl party or a graduation bash, you can easily double or triple the recipe. To save time on the day of the event, you can assemble the sandwiches (without the glaze) up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply whip up the glaze, pour it over the cold rolls, and pop them in the oven.

For the best results when serving a crowd, avoid slicing the rolls until they are fresh out of the oven. Keeping them in a solid “slab” while baking prevents the edges of the ham from drying out and ensures the cheese melts into a cohesive layer. If you are transporting these to a potluck, keep them in the baking dish covered with foil; they retain heat exceptionally well for up to 30 minutes.

Storage and Reheating for Maximum Freshness

It is rare to have leftovers when serving these squares, but if you do, they store remarkably well. Place the cooled squares in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To maintain the integrity of the roll—avoiding the sogginess that often plagues microwaved bread—it is best to reheat them in a toaster oven or a standard oven at 300°F. Cover them with foil during the reheating process to prevent the tops from burning.

If you find yourself with a surplus of ingredients, you can even freeze the assembled, unbaked sandwiches. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When the craving strikes, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before applying the fresh glaze and baking as directed. This makes Brown Sugar Ham Snack Squares an excellent “emergency” appetizer to keep on hand for unexpected guests or busy weeknights when you need a comforting, quick meal.