Lawn Party Sandwiches
Lawn Party Sandwiches are flavorful, easy-to-make ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches with a poppy seed spread, perfect for gatherings and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes or until melted.
- Stir in the minced onion, poppy seeds, and prepared mustard.
- Chill the mixture, covered, for 8-10 hours.
- Remove the poppy seed mixture from the refrigerator 1 hour before assembling the sandwiches.
- Split each package of rolls horizontally into two layers, leaving the bottom layer in the pan.
- Spread the poppy seed mixture on the cut sides of the rolls.
- Layer the shaved ham and thinly sliced Swiss cheese on the bottom layer of rolls.
- Top with the remaining roll layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- For variety, add chopped red bell pepper when assembling the sandwiches.
- May be prepared in advance and frozen unbaked.
- Bake the frozen rolls at 350°F until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped red bell pepper when assembling the sandwiches. If you're short on time, you can substitute the Swiss cheese with cheddar or gouda. For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken instead of ham. Letting the mixture chill overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These Lawn Party Sandwiches make a perfect appetizer or main dish for gatherings. Serve them with a side of Creamy Pea Salad or Ives Scalloped Potatoes for a complete meal. They also pair nicely with a light salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the ham and cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the rolls soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lawn Party Sandwiches contains roughly 944 calories, with 11g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sandwiches in advance and freeze them unbaked. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them directly from the freezer, adjusting the time as needed to ensure they're heated through.
What kind of rolls work best for this recipe?
Dinner or party rolls are ideal for this recipe. Look for soft, slightly sweet rolls that can hold up to the fillings without falling apart. Popular choices include Hawaiian rolls or slider buns for a festive touch.
What can I substitute for the poppy seeds?
If you don't have poppy seeds on hand, you can use sesame seeds for a similar texture. Alternatively, omit them altogether for a simpler flavor profile, or try using everything bagel seasoning for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).