Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made for sharing. These buttery, gooey mini sandwiches take everything you love about classic grilled cheese and elevate it with the slightly sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls.
Perfect for game days, parties, family nights, or after-school snacks — they’re crispy on top, melty inside, and irresistibly good. Best of all? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese
- Bite-sized and perfect for crowds
- Buttery, cheesy, golden brown perfection
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Ideal for meal prep or potlucks
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 rolls) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a mix)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the rolls, slice the entire pack horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom half on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese across the bottom layer. Cover with the top half of the rolls.
Step 3: Brush with Butter
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parmesan if using. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut between each roll. Serve warm while the cheese is perfectly gooey.
Add-Ins and Variations
Protein Boost
- Add thin slices of turkey, chicken, or lean deli meats.
- Try shredded rotisserie chicken with a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
Cheesy Twists
- Use provolone, Swiss, gouda, pepper jack, or a cheese blend.
- Add cream cheese with cheddar for extra creaminess.
Flavor Enhancers
- Layer a small amount of pesto, marinara, or Dijon mustard.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or dried parsley.
Veggie Upgrades
- Add tomato slices, spinach, arugula, or roasted red peppers.
- Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms also add a gourmet touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tomato soup or ranch for dipping
- Pair with fresh salad or coleslaw
- Add to a game day or party platter
- Serve as a side with pasta or chili
- Include in a lunchbox with fruit and cut veggies
Make Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble sandwiches without baking. Wrap tightly with foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when needed.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in oven.
Reheating
- Reheat in a toaster oven or standard oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy texture.
Nutrition Info (Per Mini Sandwich)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls with cheese and refrigerate. Just bake before serving so the tops are golden and the inside is gooey.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor — a combo is perfect. Use what you love or have on hand.
Can I use other types of bread?
You can, but the sweetness and fluffiness of Hawaiian rolls really make this recipe special.
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Bake, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warm and crisp.
Are they good for kids?
Definitely. Kids love the soft rolls and melted cheese. You can adjust fillings based on their tastes.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Try marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic sauce. Great for variety!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use two packs of rolls and adjust your baking tray size. It’s a great make-ahead for crowds.
Tips for Best Results
- Always slice the rolls as a whole — it keeps everything neat.
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Don’t overbake — just enough to melt the cheese and crisp the top.
- Customize seasonings in the butter for fun flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese is a bite-sized classic with a fun, modern twist. It’s cheesy, buttery, and endlessly customizable, making it the ideal snack or appetizer for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
From kids’ lunches to game day trays, these little sandwiches disappear fast. Make a batch today and watch them vanish in minutes.
Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Base
- 1 pack (12 rolls) Hawaiian sweet rolls keep rolls attached; slice horizontally
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese or a mix
Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese optional, for savory finish
Instructions
- Prep the rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating, slice the entire slab of rolls horizontally to create a bottom and top. Place the bottom half on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add the cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bottom layer of rolls. Cap with the top layer.
- Brush with butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and Parmesan (if using). Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice & serve: Rest 2 minutes, then use a serrated knife to cut between rolls. Serve warm while gooey.