If you are looking for an irresistibly delicious snack or appetizer to elevate any gathering or cozy night in, this Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These fluffy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are stuffed with a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, perfectly buttered and baked to golden, melty perfection. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of soft bread and savory, melted cheese that melts your stress away and brings a comforting smile to your face. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become an instant favorite for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in delivering that rich, warm experience. From the sweet Hawaiian rolls providing a soft base to the blend of cheeses that create the creamy filling, every component is essential.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet, and perfectly portioned for bite-sized delights.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, tangy flavor and a beautiful orange color.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchiness and creamy meltiness everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: Ensures the rolls toast nicely and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): A subtle layer of savory depth that complements the cheese.
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano or basil, optional): A fragrant hint of herbal goodness for extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even melting and toasty edges without drying out the rolls—this is our first step toward cheesy bliss.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Keeping the rolls together, slice the entire pack horizontally. This keeps your mini sandwiches intact during assembly and baking, making them easier to handle and perfectly portioned once sliced after baking.
Step 3: Butter the Rolls
Generously spread the softened butter on both the cut sides of the top and bottom halves of the rolls. This step is critical because it helps the bread achieve that golden, crispy exterior that balances the soft middle.
Step 4: Add Garlic Powder
If you want to bring an extra punch of aroma and savory notes, sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the buttered surfaces. It’s optional but highly recommended for that engaging flavor boost.
Step 5: Layer the Cheese
Now, the star of the show: evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella on the bottom halves. The double cheese combo creates both a flavor explosion and that irresistible gooey texture. Make sure every bit of bread is covered for consistent cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Reassemble the Rolls
Carefully place the top halves of the rolls back onto the cheese-laden bottom halves. This creates the perfect sandwich ready to be baked into melty perfection.
Step 7: Wrap in Foil
Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in aluminum foil. This ensures that moisture stays locked in during baking, preventing the rolls from drying out and keeping the cheese melted and luscious.
Step 8: Bake the Sandwich
Place your wrapped creation in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The magic happens here—the cheeses melt and mingle, while the bread softens slightly from the heat.
Step 9: Unwrap and Toast
After baking, carefully remove the foil and return the rolls to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step delivers a golden, crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Allow your mini grilled cheeses to cool for a minute, then slice them into smaller, bite-friendly pieces. These little gems are now ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavors by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. A few crispy bacon bits or a small dollop of spicy mustard on the side also complement these sandwiches beautifully.
Side Dishes
Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls pair wonderfully with vibrant sides like a tangy tomato soup, crunchy pickles, or a fresh garden salad. These sides balance the richness and make the meal even more satisfying and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, serve these rolls on a wooden board surrounded by colorful dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. You can even skewer the sliders with decorative toothpicks to make picking them up easier and add a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the bread from drying out too much and preserves the melty goodness for a quick snack later.
Freezing
These sandwiches freeze well if wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the rolls and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with cheese blends like gouda, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack to suit your taste preferences.
Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
Hawaiian rolls are special here because of their unique sweetness and softness, but you could substitute with other soft slider rolls if needed. Just note the flavor will differ slightly.
Is it okay to skip the garlic powder and herbs?
Yes! These are optional ingredients meant to enhance flavor, but the sandwich will still be delicious without them.
Can these be made vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter. The rolls must also be checked to ensure they contain no animal products.
How long do I need to bake the rolls if I double the recipe?
When doubling, keep baking times similar but watch the rolls carefully; you may need a few extra minutes if the batch is larger or stacked closer together in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyous about a warm, cheesy sandwich baked inside sweet Hawaiian rolls, and this Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe brings just that to your table effortlessly. Whether for quick meals, parties, or snacking, these mini grilled cheeses never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try and share the love of melty cheese and fluffy rolls with everyone you care about.
Print
Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (1 mini sandwich per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls combine soft, sweet Hawaiian bread with a savory blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delicious snack, these bite-sized sandwiches are buttery, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Rolls and Butter
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano or basil)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Prepare the Rolls: Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire pack horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
- Butter the Rolls: Evenly spread the softened butter on the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls.
- Add Garlic Powder: If using, sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered surfaces to add extra flavor.
- Layer the Cheese: Distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the bottom half, covering the surface well for a gooey cheese experience.
- Place Top Half: Carefully place the top half of the rolls back onto the cheesy bottom half, forming a sandwich.
- Wrap in Foil: Tightly wrap the assembled sandwich in aluminum foil to maintain moisture while baking.
- Bake: Place the foil-wrapped rolls into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheeses have melted completely.
- Unwrap and Toast: Remove the foil and bake the rolls uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Slice and Serve: After baking, remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice into smaller portions, and serve warm.
Notes
- For more flavor, you can substitute or add your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone.
- If you prefer a garlic herb butter, mix herbs and garlic powder directly into the softened butter before spreading.
- Make sure to tightly wrap the rolls in foil to avoid drying out during baking.
- These sandwiches can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

