Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Celebration Finger Sandwiches?
These are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring smoky Virginia ham, aged Swiss cheese, and a zesty honey-mustard sauce served on biscuit halves.
How do I cut the biscuits for this recipe?
Cut each biscuit in half crosswise to create a half-moon shape, being careful not to cut horizontally through the middle at the start.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for baking the biscuits.
How long should the biscuits bake?
Bake the biscuits for 10 to 14 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
What type of mustard is recommended?
You can use either Stone Ground Mustard or Spicy Brown Mustard for both the topping and the sauce.
What kind of ham should I use?
The recipe calls for Virginia Baked Deli Ham, cut into quarters for a perfect fit.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
While aged Swiss cheese is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use other types like Provolone or Havarti.
How do I prepare the butter mixture?
Combine 4 tablespoons of chopped green onions with 1/2 cup of softened butter and stir thoroughly.
What ingredients are in the sandwich sauce?
The sauce is made by mixing mustard, mayonnaise, and honey until smooth.
How do I assemble the sandwiches?
Split the baked biscuits, spread green onion butter on the bottom, layer with ham, cheese, and lettuce, then spread sauce on the top half.
How do I keep the sandwiches together?
Spear a black or pimento-stuffed green olive onto a frilled toothpick and insert it through the sandwich to secure it.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bake the biscuits and prepare the sauces in advance, but it is best to assemble them close to serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What are the nutritional values for one sandwich?
One sandwich contains approximately 267 calories, 18g of fat, 17g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased cookie sheet for baking the biscuits.
How much lettuce is needed?
You will need approximately one head of lettuce, finely shredded to yield about 5 cups.
How long should the biscuits cool?
Allow the biscuits to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before splitting and filling them.
Should the mustard be applied before baking?
Yes, a thin layer of mustard should be spread on the tops of the biscuit halves before they go into the oven.
How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?
Since each of the 20 biscuits is cut in half to create two sandwiches, the recipe yields approximately 40 finger sandwiches.
What kind of olives are used for the garnish?
The recipe suggests using either black olives or pimento-stuffed green olives, both drained and dried.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is easy to double if you are serving a larger group or a party.
Is the honey necessary for the sauce?
The honey provides a sweet balance to the mustard and mayo; if omitted, the sauce will be much more savory and tart.
What size cans of biscuits are needed?
You will need two 12-ounce cans of Pillsbury Big Country Refrigerated Biscuits.
How should the ham be prepared?
Take 10 slices of deli ham and cut each slice into quarters to create 40 smaller pieces.
How should the cheese be cut?
The 20 slices of aged Swiss cheese should be cut in half corner to corner to fit the biscuit shapes.
Can I use salted butter for the green onion mixture?
Yes, salted or unsalted butter works, as long as it is softened for easy mixing.
Is this recipe suitable for a game day snack?
Yes, these sandwiches are specifically noted as being perfect for casual game day gatherings.
What does 'cut crosswise' mean for the biscuits?
It means cutting the circular biscuit down the middle to create two semi-circle (half-moon) shapes.
Are these sandwiches served hot or cold?
While the biscuits are baked, the sandwiches are typically assembled and served at room temperature.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with deli turkey if you prefer a different protein.
What makes these sandwiches 'celebration' style?
The elegant presentation with frilled toothpicks and olives, combined with high-quality ingredients like aged Swiss, makes them suitable for special events.