If you’re craving a warm, melty, and irresistibly sweet-and-savory bite, this Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Combining soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls with layers of gooey cheddar and mozzarella, and a garlicky buttery topping that bakes to golden perfection, these little sandwiches are perfect for everything from party appetizers to a cozy snack. Once you try these, you’ll see why they quickly become a household favorite — simple ingredients transform into a spectacular treat that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the biggest difference. Each component plays a crucial role: soft Hawaiian rolls bring a subtle sweetness, sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella provide that perfect cheese pull, and the buttery garlic topping seals the deal with fragrant and savory notes.
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls sliced horizontally as a slab: Using the rolls as a whole slab makes assembly easy and ensures each sandwich is perfectly soft and gooey.
- 8 slices cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, bold flavor and melty texture to every bite.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for stretch and creaminess.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: The base of your garlic herb butter that crisps up the tops.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses that irresistible garlicky aroma and taste without overpowering the sandwich.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A hint of freshness and color in the buttery topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
How to Make Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly so your sandwich slab doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This step ensures that the bottom doesn’t get soggy and that the mini sandwiches come out with just the right texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Keep the rolls together like a sandwich loaf, and slice the entire slab horizontally in half to create a bottom and top layer. Lay the bottom half in your greased pan. This keeps all the rolls neatly packed and makes it easy to layer the cheese evenly without fuss.
Step 3: Layer the Cheeses
Distribute the cheddar and mozzarella slices over the bottom half of the rolls. Using both cheeses brings a balance of sharper flavor from the cheddar with the milder, gooey melted mozzarella—it’s the cheese combo that makes these more than just your average grilled cheese.
Step 4: Close and Butter
Place the top half of the rolls back in place over the cheese layer. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls. This buttery herb blend is the game-changer, adding beautiful golden crust and savory depth as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncover
Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a luscious layer beneath the bread. After that, remove the foil and bake for 5 to 7 more minutes until the top is gorgeously golden and slightly crispy. This two-stage bake ensures the cheese is melty and the tops have that perfect crunch.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls cool just a bit so the cheese sets a little, then slice into individual sandwiches. Serve them warm to fully enjoy the melty cheese and buttery bread combination at its best!
How to Serve Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving to add a fresh pop of color and herby zing that complements the savory garlic flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These mini grilled cheese sandwiches pair perfectly with a simple tomato soup for a classic combo, or alongside a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. For a party spread, try serving with pickles or a tangy coleslaw to add texture and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the mini sandwiches on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. You can also personalize each with a different cheese or even a smear of mustard or pesto inside before baking to mix up the flavors and surprise your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They taste best warmed gently to bring back that melty goodness without drying out the bread.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sandwich slab wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient make-ahead appetizer for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftover mini grilled cheese sandwiches in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bread from getting too soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classics, feel free to mix in Colby Jack, provolone, or even pepper jack for a little heat. The key is to use cheeses that melt well and complement the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
Is it necessary to keep the rolls together as a slab?
Keeping the rolls together helps the sandwich hold its shape during baking and makes it easier to layer the cheese evenly. You can separate them after baking for individual servings.
Can I add extra flavor inside the sandwiches?
Of course! A thin layer of mustard, pesto, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan before baking can add exciting flavor layers. Just don’t overload, so the cheese still melts evenly.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Using a baking dish, greasing it lightly, and baking covered initially helps the cheese melt evenly without soaking the bread. The final uncovered baking step crisps up the top to keep things balanced.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian friendly?
Yes! This Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is naturally vegetarian since it focuses on cheese and bread. Just make sure your cheeses align with your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe. It’s an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipe that feels just a little bit special thanks to the sweetness of the rolls and the garlicky butter topping. Whether you’re preparing for a casual get-together, a cozy night in, or a simple snack, these mini sandwiches deliver on taste and satisfaction every single time. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear from your table!
Print
Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are a delightful and easy appetizer featuring soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection with a garlic butter topping, they’re perfect for parties or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Rolls and Cheese
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced horizontally as a slab
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Rolls: Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab horizontally in half and place the bottom half in the baking dish. Layer the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the rolls, then cover with the top half of the rolls.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt, stirring well to mix the flavors.
- Brush and Bake with Foil: Generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the rolls. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown Tops: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then slice between the rolls to separate into individual mini sandwiches. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute or mix cheeses such as Colby Jack, provolone, or American for different flavor profiles.
- For extra flavor, add a thin layer of mustard or sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- These mini sandwiches are best served fresh and warm for optimal taste and texture.
