I have to tell you, making this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe was an absolute delight. From the moment I sliced into the soft, sweet rolls to the first gooey, cheesy pull, I was hooked. It’s like comfort food, but with a fun twist that makes it feel special. I love how simple ingredients can create such a crave-worthy snack or meal.
After making this recipe, I knew I’d be returning to it again and again. If you enjoy easy, hands-on meals, you might also like Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Every ingredient here plays a key role in making these sliders irresistible. Choosing the right type of cheese and bread can make all the difference. For another cheesy, satisfying dish, you can also enjoy Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burritos as a fun alternative.
- Hawaiian Rolls: 1 package (12-count) – I always go for fresh rolls; they’re soft, slightly sweet, and toast beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded – Freshly shredded sharp cheddar gives that classic bold flavor and perfect melt.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded – This adds creamy stretchiness that balances the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted – Brushed on top for golden, buttery perfection.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – Mixed with the butter to give each slider a subtle savory boost.
- Salt: Pinch – Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Optional Tomato Soup: For serving – A classic pairing that never fails.
Note: several serving as a note of full line under the ingredients according to the quantity.
Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese for a melty, cruelty-free version.
- Sugar-Free: Choose rolls without added sugar or use whole grain rolls for a healthier option.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a thin layer of Dijon mustard, sliced tomatoes, or pickles for extra depth.
- Cheese Mix: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Havarti, or Provolone for a new flavor twist.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick overview of how long this recipe will take from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Using the right tools makes assembly and baking much easier:
- Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: Holds the sliders together while baking.
- Bread Knife: Ensures even slices without squishing the rolls.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining butter with seasonings.
- Pastry Brush: Helps coat the rolls evenly with seasoned butter.
- Foil: Prevents the tops from over-browning during the first bake.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Making these sliders is simple and fun. Follow these steps for perfect results.
Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Butter and Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. This will give the tops of your sliders a golden, flavorful finish.
Slice and Arrange Rolls
Keep the rolls together as a block and slice them horizontally. Place the bottom halves in your prepared dish for a neat, easy assembly.
Layer the Cheese
Evenly spread shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the bottom halves. Then place the top halves back on, brushing them generously with your garlic butter mixture.
Bake Covered and Uncovered
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 7–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Rest and Slice
Allow the sliders to cool for 2 minutes before slicing between the rolls. This helps them hold their shape while still being gooey and delicious.
Serve Warm
Serve these sliders with your favorite dipping sauce or classic tomato soup. Watch the cheese stretch and enjoy every bite.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, a few tweaks can make these sliders truly exceptional:
- I always use freshly shredded cheese; it melts so much better than pre-shredded.
- Brushing extra butter on top gives a crispier, more golden crust.
- Adding a slice of tomato or pickle inside each slider adds a refreshing contrast.
- I sometimes sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an extra crunchy layer.
- Serving them in mini burger wrappers makes them fun for parties or kids.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Presentation matters, and a few simple touches elevate these sliders:
- Pair them with a bowl of warm tomato soup for dipping.
- Add a side salad or fresh fruit skewers for a balanced meal.
- Include pickles or chips on the side for added crunch.
- Arrange sliders on a wooden board and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a visually appealing display.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for one slider:
- Calories: 220 – Perfectly portioned for a snack or lunch.
- Protein: 10g – Cheesy and satisfying.
- Carbohydrates: 22g – Balanced with the soft, sweet roll.
- Fat: 12g – From butter and cheese for richness and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
These sliders are great for prepping in advance.
- Storing Before Baking: Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to a month. Reheat directly in the oven for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these sliders multiple times, and there are several reasons they’ve become a favorite:
- Versatile: Great as lunch, snacks, or party appetizers.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable: Cheese blends, add-ins, and seasoning make each batch unique.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready for convenience.
These Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese sliders are soft, gooey, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. From my personal experience, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. I love serving them warm, fresh from the oven, paired with soup or fresh sides for a comforting meal or snack.
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. This will give the tops of your sliders a golden, flavorful finish.
- Keep the rolls together as a block and slice them horizontally. Place the bottom halves in your prepared dish for a neat, easy assembly.
- Evenly spread shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the bottom halves. Then place the top halves back on, brushing them generously with your garlic butter mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 7–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Allow the sliders to cool for 2 minutes before slicing between the rolls. This helps them hold their shape while still being gooey and delicious.
- Serve these sliders with your favorite dipping sauce or classic tomato soup. Watch the cheese stretch and enjoy every bite.
Notes
- I always use freshly shredded cheese; it melts so much better than pre-shredded.
- Brushing extra butter on top gives a crispier, more golden crust.
- Adding a slice of tomato or pickle inside each slider adds a refreshing contrast.
- I sometimes sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an extra crunchy layer.
- Serving them in mini burger wrappers makes them fun for parties or kids.