Summertime tends to create plenty of opportunities to feed others. From backyard barbecues to lake days and fireworks shows, many of the season’s best memories are made around food.
Last year on the Fourth of July, we celebrated at my sister-in-law’s house where she served these Party Sandwiches, and I’ve been thinking about making them ever since.
In the past, I’ve made baked slider sandwiches using Hawaiian rolls, which are always a hit. But these are more fresh, flavorful and they are incredibly easy to prepare. They are also very easy to store. Just pop the sandwiches right back into the original Hawaiian roll bag, and it becomes a convenient grab-and-go option for later.
These sandwiches are simple but packed with flavor. I dare say it’s just as easy to make a dozen of them as it is to make one sandwich. That makes them a great choice for serving a crowd or preparing ahead of time for busy summer days.
One of the little secrets my sister-in-law shared was her trick of spreading butter on one side of the bun and mayo on the other. Something about that combination with the meat and cheese gives these sandwiches an extra-special flavor.
I used roast beef and Colby Jack cheese slices for mine, but you can get creative here. Turkey, ham, salami, cheddar, pepper jack—any of your favorite meat and cheese pairings will work well. You can also swap out the mayo or butter for a spread of your choice, like honey mustard, aioli, or even a swipe of pesto.
From our summertime events to yours—enjoy!
Party Sandwiches
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
- ½ lb. sliced deli meat
- ¼ lb. cheese slices
- butter, softened
- mayonnaise
Instructions:
- Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected for easier assembly.
- Spread butter on the bottom half and mayonnaise on the top half of the rolls.
- Layer deli meat and cheese evenly over the bottom half.
- Replace the top half of the rolls and gently press down.
- Slice into individual sandwiches and serve immediately or return them to the original packaging for easy storage.
- Keep refrigerated if not serving right away.