Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Introduction
I remember the first time I tucked into a warm, gooey Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese—my kitchen smelled like buttery toast and nostalgia, and suddenly a regular Tuesday felt like a small celebration. The soft, slightly sweet rolls cradle melty cheese in a way that hugs you from the inside out, a comforting food that makes everyone at the table smile. If you love a classic roasted garlic grilled cheese, you will find this version—sweet, savory, and utterly indulgent—to be a new quick dinner idea that’s perfect for family nights and festive meals alike.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
- Comforting and familiar: it’s the grilled cheese you grew up with, upgraded with Hawaiian rolls for a tender, pillowy bite.
- Quick and family friendly: ready faster than takeout, making it an ideal weeknight winner.
- Versatile and festive: add ham and pineapple for a Hawaiian twist, or keep it simple and gooey for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Indulgent yet adaptable: swap in lighter cheeses or vegan options for a healthier option without losing the magic.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian rolls (12 slider rolls) – slightly sweet and soft; split horizontally.
- Butter (4 tablespoons) – room temperature, for spreading; gives crisp, golden edges.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) – optional for extra browning and flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces), shredded – melty and flavorful; you can mix mozzarella for extra stretch.
- Swiss or provolone (4 ounces), thinly sliced – adds creaminess and balance.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon) – brightens the richness.
- Thin-sliced deli ham or turkey (optional, 8 ounces) – for a heartier family favorite version.
- Pineapple rings or tidbits (optional, drained) – for a playful, sweet contrast.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) and smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon) – for subtle warmth.
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped – for garnish.
Substitutions: use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese for a vegan Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese, or swap Hawaiian rolls for whole-grain slider buns for a slightly healthier option. Nutritional yeast can also boost cheesy flavor without dairy.
Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12–15 minutes (baked) or 6–8 minutes per batch (skillet)
- Total time: about 25 minutes
Ready faster than takeout and worth every minute—this quick dinner idea gives you maximum comfort with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
- Preheat: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking, or prepare a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat if you prefer stovetop.
- Prepare the rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Spread a thin layer of Dijon on each bottom half and sprinkle with garlic powder. If you love bold flavors, try the roasted garlic grilled cheese style by adding roasted garlic cloves to the spread.
- Layer the cheese and fillings: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar on each bottom roll, add slices of Swiss or provolone, top with ham and pineapple if using, then another light layer of cheese to help everything bind. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—sweet, buttery, and utterly inviting.
- Top and butter: Place the top halves on, then brush the tops with melted butter or a thin smear of mayonnaise mixed with smoked paprika for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake or pan-sear: For sliders, cover loosely with foil and bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted, then broil 1–2 minutes for browning. For skillet method, press gently with a spatula or a pan weight and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is oozing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives, slice between rolls, and serve immediately for the best texture—crispy edges and pillowy centers.
For more comfort food inspiration, a cheesy side like 4 cheese mac and cheese pairs beautifully with these sliders.
Tips and Variations
- Festive: Add a sliver of pineapple and ham for a Hawaiian party twist.
- Healthier option: Use whole-grain sliders, reduced-fat cheese, and swap butter for a light olive oil brush.
- Indulgent dessert idea: Brush rolls with cinnamon butter and sprinkle a touch of sugar before baking for a sweet ending.
- Vegan: Replace cheese with a plant-based meltable cheese and use vegan mayo and margarine.
- Make it meaty: Add crisped bacon or a thin layer of caramelized onions for an extra flavor punch—if you love meaty pasta nights, this goes well with a side like bacon cheeseburger ground beef pasta for a hearty spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a tangy cabbage slaw, or crunchy dill pickles. For a brunch feel, pair with a citrusy mimosa or lemonade and let the sweet rolls contrast a bright drink. Picture a rainy evening, cozy blankets, and the satisfying pull of warm cheese stretching between two soft, buttery rolls—that’s the heart of this dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to revive the crisp edges.
- To freeze: assemble sliders without baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, then broil briefly.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the cheese and fillings a day early and assemble right before baking for effortless hosting.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Low and slow melts: If using a skillet, cook on medium-low so the cheese melts before the bread browns.
- Mayo magic: Brushing tops with mayonnaise creates a perfectly browned, shiny crust—trust this friendly trick.
- Even melt: Grate at least one of your cheeses for more even melting across sliders.
- Press for compactness: Use a heavy skillet or panini press to compress sliders slightly for tidy, portable bites.
- Freshness counts: Brush butter right before baking to avoid soggy tops.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze unbaked sliders for up to a month. Bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.
Q: What cheeses work best?
A: A blend of sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella or provolone for stretch is ideal. Swiss adds a lovely nutty balance.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Use room-temperature cheese, preheat your oven or skillet, and avoid overloading with moist ingredients—drain pineapple well and pat ham dry if needed.
Q: Is there a vegan version that still tastes indulgent?
A: Absolutely—choose a high-quality meltable vegan cheese and vegan butter. Nutritional yeast in the filling can boost the savory, cheesy notes.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is more than a sandwich—it’s a tiny celebration stitched together with soft, sweet rolls and melty, nostalgic cheese, perfect for making memories at any table. Whether you keep it simple for a cozy night in or turn it into a festive slider spread, it’s a recipe that invites sharing and joy. For a delightful baked mini version and more cozy slider ideas, check out Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders (Easy Baked Mini Grilled …) and let these buttery bites become a warm new tradition in your home.
Contents
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
For the Grilled Cheese
- 12 slider rolls Hawaiian rolls Slightly sweet and soft; split horizontally.
- 4 tablespoons Butter Room temperature, for spreading; gives crisp, golden edges.
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise Optional for extra browning and flavor.
- 8 ounces Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Melty and flavorful; can mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.
- 4 ounces Swiss or provolone, thinly sliced Adds creaminess and balance.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Brightens the richness.
- 8 ounces Thin-sliced deli ham or turkey Optional for a heartier version.
- 1 can Pineapple rings or tidbits, drained Optional for a sweet contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder For subtle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked paprika For subtle warmth.
- to taste Fresh parsley or chives, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking, or prepare a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat for stovetop.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Spread a thin layer of Dijon on each bottom half and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar on each bottom roll, add slices of Swiss or provolone, and top with ham and pineapple if using, then another light layer of cheese.
- Place the top halves on, then brush the tops with melted butter or a thin smear of mayonnaise mixed with smoked paprika.
Cooking
- For baking, cover loosely with foil and bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted, then broil for 1–2 minutes for browning.
- For skillet method, press gently with a spatula and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is oozing.
Serving
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives, slice between rolls, and serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest