Impressing the In-Laws (Recipe – Oven Ham Sammies)

by Kristen on August 11, 2009

You know that moment? That moment where you make a dish from a recipe and then feed it to people. While they are eating it you hear “mmmmmm’s” and then the best thing ever happens… they begin asking for the recipe? You know when that person just happens to be your mother-in-law? All the better, right?

Remember, I used to not be able to cook…AT. ALL. Before Nick and I were married, we visited his parents. Always feeling inept in the kitchen, especially surrounded by all of his sisters and his mom, I would try to fit in by chopping this and stirring that. His mom needed to make a jello salad with fruit in it for a function we were going to. Jello salad with fruit in it…how hard could that be to mess up? I volunteered to make it for her and guess what. I messed up a jello salad. Seriously, I know… how freaking hard is it to make a jello salad with fruit in it? Apparently much harder than I had the talent for at the time. His mom was nice about it, but I could tell that she was disappointed.

I don’t think I ever redeemed myself as a cook with his family, until close to 12 years later when every one was gathered at our house after Leah’s baptism. To think that the redeeming dish was these oh so simple, Oven Ham Sammies. After that dinner every single person there asked me for the recipe. Everyone…and yes, that includes my mother-in-law. Thanks to my friend Torree for passing on this recipe and helping me gain a bit of a reputation with the in-laws. Now I”m feeling so confident, I may just go try to make a jello salad!

Oven Ham Sammies

1 12 count package Kings Hawaiian Rolls
1/2 cup butter melted
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp poppy seeds
2 tsp onion flakes
1 tsp worcheshire sauce
1 package swiss cheese
12-16oz thin sliced ham

Put ham and cheese on sliced rolls
Mix all other ingredients and spoon over sammies. Let set overnight or several hours
Bake on 350 for 15 min before serving

Love sandwiches? Check out these yummy sammie recipes!



{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }

Caitlin August 11, 2009 at 2:48 pm

I really have no idea what a jello salad with fruit in it is so I’m not sure I would be confident to make one! I assume it involves jello and fruit but beyond that…?
.-= Caitlin´s last blog ..5 tips for the Sahara Festival in Douz, Tunisia =-.

Reply

SB's Bea August 11, 2009 at 2:55 pm

These look fabulously simple. I love the sweetness of King’s Hawaiian Rolls (which is why I don’t often buy them…I would eat the entire package by myself). And, don’t feel bad. I didn’t know how to cook either. I could handle the basics, but have learned the other little details on my own as food sparked my curiosity. Cooking is all about learning and enjoying.
.-= SB’s Bea´s last blog ..Picky Eaters Need Not Apply =-.

Reply

Maria August 11, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Looks good! No wonder it was a hit!
.-= Maria´s last blog ..Recipe for Peach Almond Cake =-.

Reply

Leah August 11, 2009 at 3:52 pm

Umm, yah, I will need to make this! I LOVE a good sandwich. :)

Reply

Amy J August 11, 2009 at 4:08 pm

Ooooh, I’ve had these, a few months back but forgot about ‘em. They are some good eats fo’ sho’. Thanks for the reminder!
.-= Amy J´s last blog ..Save Venice! Please. =-.

Reply

DeAnn August 11, 2009 at 5:04 pm

I got this recipe awhile back and have not made them. You have just inspired me to finally make them. Thanks!!!

Reply

Pat Wogan August 11, 2009 at 6:07 pm

These look delish! MMMMM

Reply

Caitlin August 11, 2009 at 6:22 pm

Impressing the MIL? Nice going! I love the Hawaiian bread – it’s so soft and sweet. What kind/brand of ham did you use? I’m kind of iffy on ham because it sometimes gets slimy. :(

Reply

Kat - LA Blogger Gal August 11, 2009 at 6:25 pm

These look yummy and I’m not even a fan of ham (sacrilege, I know).

Reply

Karly August 11, 2009 at 6:30 pm

Oooh, I can’t wait to try these! I have a feeling my husband will love them. He’ll probably eat all 12 himself!
.-= Karly´s last blog ..Creamy Onion Garlic Bread =-.

Reply

Tim August 11, 2009 at 6:30 pm

I love your blog, but I have to say it’s hard to believe looking at your posts that you were ever less than capable in the kitchen!

Reply

Angela August 11, 2009 at 7:06 pm

The thinly sliced ham with the pillowy soft rolls and onion flakes make my mouth water. What a comforting sandwich — perfect for the in-laws!
.-= Angela´s last blog ..jumbo scallops with red pepper puree: a delicious break from the norm =-.

Reply

Susan at SGCC August 11, 2009 at 7:50 pm

Hey, that jello can be pretty tricky stuff! Those little sandwiches, on the other hand, look fabulous! I’m impressed too! :)
.-= Susan at SGCC´s last blog ..Strawberry Marshmallows =-.

Reply

Paula - bell'alimento August 11, 2009 at 8:38 pm

Your sammie looks great! I love Hawaiian rolls will have to try these out & Thanks so much for including my shrimp avocado summer sammie in your links! Mwah :)
.-= Paula – bell’alimento´s last blog ..Grilled Peaches & Cream =-.

Reply

Cynthia August 11, 2009 at 8:40 pm

Yayyyyy! Can’t wait to see the jello salad.

Hon, I have not changed by blog theme, colours or font, apparently there are times when the page does not load properly. The next time that happens can you please refresh the page? That should do the trick. Thanks.
.-= Cynthia´s last blog ..Haitian Griot (Fried Pork) & Accra =-.

Reply

Michelle August 12, 2009 at 5:39 am

We love these little sandwiches. They are great for parties and showers (bridal or baby, not in the bathtub because the bread would get soggy). My husband gets worried when I make them because he thinks some big event is about to happen but sometimes I do make them just because (because they are delicious!)

Reply

Ellie August 12, 2009 at 8:13 am

I think I had these at someone’s house a couple weeks ago and they were so tasty! I had asked her for the recipe but she hasn’t gotten it to me – I’m so excited to make these!
.-= Ellie´s last blog ..My new tote bag…and my first interior zipper =-.

Reply

Katie @ goodLife {eats} August 12, 2009 at 8:27 am

Mmmmmm that does look good! Wish I could have that for lunch today.
.-= Katie @ goodLife {eats}´s last blog ..Sundried Tomato and Spinach Lasagna Rolls =-.

Reply

Lisa August 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

What a triumph! I’d have to agree that those sandwiches look amazing and I’m not usually a sandwich kind of gal!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Meringue That Won’t Weep =-.

Reply

Kate August 12, 2009 at 9:23 am

These look perfect for a busy day with in-laws visiting! LOL, your jello salad story reminds me of the first time I had dinner with my potential in-laws. MIL-to-be had made a cake, and said that the thing she loved about the recipe was that you didn’t have to sift the flour. I bit into my piece and found a bay leaf. A dry one. I ate it. All of it. Later she told me she kept bay leaves in the flour to keep weevils out. I still do that to this day. But I ALWAYS sift my flour. Her son? We never got married. I wonder if it was the bay leaf incident?
.-= Kate´s last blog ..ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES =-.

Reply

Tammi August 12, 2009 at 11:08 am

I have had this same recipe for many years and LOVE IT! It is a mainstay at all of our at-work pot luck lunches!

Reply

oneshotbeyond August 12, 2009 at 1:19 pm

That’s what I wanted for lunch today. I didn’t know it, but that is it! Darn

Reply

Sara @ Our Best Bites August 12, 2009 at 2:59 pm

sometimes simple is the best! They look delish
.-= Sara @ Our Best Bites´s last blog ..Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles =-.

Reply

Gaby August 12, 2009 at 4:25 pm

looks like a winner – I think this would be a hit with any guests!
.-= Gaby´s last blog ..Pesto Shrimp Hand Roll =-.

Reply

Jen @ MaplenCornbread August 12, 2009 at 4:56 pm

I can just imagine how wonderful this was!! Impressive indeed!!! :)
.-= Jen @ MaplenCornbread´s last blog ..TWD: Brownie Buttons =-.

Reply

Jamie August 12, 2009 at 7:11 pm

Wow, these really look fantastic…I know these would be a hit with my family! :)
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Peach Blackberry Crumble Tart {Guest Post}… =-.

Reply

Deborah August 12, 2009 at 9:18 pm

I’d be asking for the recipe, too – and now I have it! (and I have that same plate as well!)
.-= Deborah ´s last blog ..Zucchini & Yellow Squash Soup =-.

Reply

Simone (junglefrog) August 12, 2009 at 11:57 pm

Oo poor you, messing up the jello salad (which I also have no idea what that is, btw) It’s always bad when that happens with the inlaws.. Glad you managed to impress them with this lovely sammich! :)
.-= Simone (junglefrog)´s last blog ..Cannelloni with cauliflower and romanesca =-.

Reply

Lockey August 13, 2009 at 5:31 am

I have been making this recipe for family get togethers for years. These are probably my all time favorite sandwich!!

Reply

Liesl August 13, 2009 at 9:34 am

I have had something like these at a tailgating party before! They were delicious and a great party food!
.-= Liesl´s last blog ..Baked Shells with Fontina and Parmesan Bread Crumbs =-.

Reply

Teanna August 13, 2009 at 10:21 am

I don’t believe you were not able to cook! Not for a second! You amaze me with everything you make! And your photography is just to die for!

Reply

Mrs. L August 13, 2009 at 11:23 am

With my MIL’s gourmet kitchen and expertise, I doubt I could ever impress her. But I’ll make these anyway and serve them to my husband who I’m sure will enjoy them!
.-= Mrs. L´s last blog ..Grilled California Avocado BLT Burgers with Caramelized Chipotle Onions =-.

Reply

Savannah August 13, 2009 at 12:51 pm

Wow! Thanks for being the first comment on my blog! I just tried this recipe and it was amazing! Thanks for always beings the most amazing food resource on the net!
.-= Savannah´s last blog ..The SIZZLING CHEF Revealed…. =-.

Reply

Lisa August 13, 2009 at 12:58 pm

I accidentally found your site while I was on Blue-Kitchen and boy am I glad I did! These sammies remind me of the ones my Grandmother used to make. She always used potato rolls but I never liked all that extra flour – the Hawaiian rolls would be so much better. I can’t wait to try these! And the pita salad – I’m always looking for something new to bring to parties. I’ll be back for more.

Reply

Maris August 13, 2009 at 7:52 pm

I love how we always go crazy making complicated recipes and it’s the simplest ones that impress people. Of all the things I’ve slaved over from scratch, my family said my saltine cracker candy was the best thing I ever made!
.-= Maris´s last blog ..To the East side =-.

Reply

Tina August 14, 2009 at 6:35 am

I made these last night and there was complete silence at the dinner table as my husband and I ate. That’s how we know it’s good stuff – no talking, just yummy noises!

Reply

Julie August 14, 2009 at 9:16 am

that is EXACTLY what I want right now. It would make a fab breakfast, right?
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Watermelon Salsa =-.

Reply

marguerite August 18, 2009 at 11:32 am

Well… I’ve never made a jello salad… stuff suspended in jello kinda creeps me out. But those little sammies… DROOL!!!

I will definitely be making them!!
.-= marguerite´s last blog ..Quiche for Co-Workers or Real Men DO Eat Quiche =-.

Reply

Les in NE August 18, 2009 at 7:56 pm

OMG. These look fabulous!! I think they’d be great served with Martha Stewart’s Mac & Cheese or my Cheesy/Dill Potato Casserole. YUM!!
.-= Les in NE´s last blog ..Tuesday Teaser =-.

Reply

Mellisa W August 19, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Love, love, love this recipe. I made it Monday and already want it again. Thanks!

Reply

Jenny August 20, 2009 at 11:33 am

I want to tell everyone I know about these amazing little sandwiches!! They are amazing. We had them two nights ago and they’re already on the menu for when we have guests this weekend. Thanks so much!
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..an intro to white balance =-.

Reply

Bridget October 14, 2009 at 6:40 am

This is a great recipe! My husband loved it and even my toddler had a sandwich. Perfect size for little hands. I do have a question on how you cooked these. I put them in a glass pyrex dish but the bottom of the rolls were pretty soggy. I would like to get them a little crisper. Is there a different way to bake them or just use less butter?

Reply

Jennifer Young October 19, 2009 at 7:36 am

I made a double batch of these for a family party this weekend, and oh my goodness. What a hit! These are so delicious. I served with a cold pasta salad and pickles. Wonderful recipe–thanks!

Reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

{ 11 trackbacks }

Previous post:

Next post: