Ham & Cheese Rolls

Sometimes a dish is more than a meal: it’s a memory. I read once that our taste and smell faculties are two of our most powerful memory triggers. That is this dish for me.  As these rolls were the typical method to use up leftover ham, they remind me of Easter Mondays and post-Christmas feasts, time with family, and the warm smells of home. Try these as a tasty new tradition for your family this year.

1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls 

Ham slices

4-6 slices swiss cheese

Marinade:

1 stick butter, melted

1 tsp garlic powder or 1 T onion flakes

1 T poppy seeds

½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp mustard

Cut rolls in half and place bottoms into a shallow dish. Layer with ham and swiss cheese to cover each roll; replace roll tops.

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and all marinade ingredients. Pour over rolls. Cover and refrigerate overnight or several hours.

Transfer marinated rolls to a baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and rolls are toasted.

*Thanks to my mom for the recipe!