If you’re craving a cozy, kid-friendly snack or an easy party appetizer, these Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls bring all the comforting flavors of classic grilled cheese with the buttery sweetness of soft Hawaiian rolls. This fun twist transforms a familiar sandwich into bite-sized, pull-apart melts that are perfect for sharing, dipping, and feeding hungry crowds.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls
These warm, cheesy rolls are a delicious option for busy families, quick lunches, or fun weekend snacks. Instead of grilling individual sandwiches, this method turns one pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls into a batch of mini grilled cheeses baked all at once. The herb-butter spread adds a savory touch that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the rolls. They’re also incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for beginners, home cooks, or anyone who wants a fuss-free recipe that delivers big comfort.
Whether you’re serving tomato soup, planning a game-day tray, or looking for a fun after-school idea, these mini grilled cheese rolls are reliable, flavorful, and wonderfully melty every time.
Ingredients for Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls
Main Ingredients
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian Original Dinner Rolls)
- Sliced cheddar cheese
- Softened butter (approximately 4 tablespoons per pack of rolls)
- Oregano (about ½ teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (about ½ teaspoon)
- Parsley or parsley flakes (about ½ tablespoon)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls:
Their slightly sweet flavor makes this recipe shine. Any soft, fluffy dinner roll can work, but Hawaiian rolls add the perfect contrast to the savory herb butter.
Cheddar Cheese:
The original recipe uses sliced cheddar, which melts beautifully and provides a classic grilled cheese flavor. If you want a milder option, try Colby-Jack or mild cheddar. For a stretchier melt, mozzarella works well, but keep in mind it will change the flavor.
Butter:
Softened butter spreads easily over the rolls. You can substitute olive oil for a lighter version, but butter gives the best flavor and browning.
Seasonings:
The simple mix of garlic powder, parsley, and oregano adds just the right amount of savory flavor. Feel free to use Italian seasoning if that’s all you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Herb Butter
Mix the softened butter with garlic powder, oregano, and parsley. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly seasoned. This becomes the flavorful spread that coats each roll and helps them crisp in the oven while infusing them with a warm, buttery aroma.
Step 2 – Slice the Rolls
Separate each Hawaiian roll individually. Slice each one carefully down the middle to create top and bottom halves, just like a small sandwich bun. Then cut each sliced roll into thirds, making small bite-sized pieces ready to fill.
Step 3 – Spread the Herb Butter
Generously spread the seasoned butter on the inside of each cut roll section. Make sure the butter covers the surfaces evenly—this is the key to the golden, crisp edges that make these mini grilled cheeses irresistible.
Step 4 – Add the Cheese
Place a small section of sliced cheddar cheese between two buttered roll pieces. Press lightly so the cheese adheres and the sandwich holds together. Repeat the process until all rolls are assembled into mini grilled cheeses.
Step 5 – Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the assembled mini sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping the sandwiches once halfway through to ensure even browning and melting. When the cheese is gooey and the tops are a beautiful golden color, they’re ready to serve.
Step 6 – Serve Warm
These are best served fresh from the oven. Pair them with warm tomato soup, marinara dipping sauce, or serve them as a fun appetizer on their own.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use softened butter for easy spreading and better flavor distribution.
- Flip halfway through baking to help the rolls get evenly crisp and golden on all sides.
- Don’t overstuff with cheese — a small amount melts perfectly and keeps each mini sandwich neat.
- Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup quick.
- Serve hot for the best texture; the cheese will be perfectly melted and creamy right out of the oven.
Flavor Variations
- Three-Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone for a richer, meltier sandwich.
- Garlic Lovers Version: Add a pinch of extra garlic powder to the butter mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the herb butter for gentle heat.
- Herb Garden Blend: Swap seasonings for Italian seasoning, basil, or rosemary.
- Sweet-Savory Combo: Add thin apple slices for a playful twist on classic grilled cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These mini grilled cheeses are wonderful for:
- Tomato soup dipping
- Lunchboxes, especially when wrapped in foil
- After-school snacks
- Holiday appetizer spreads
- Brunch trays
- Game-day finger foods
They’re easy to pick up, share well, and always deliver classic comfort.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezing:
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked mini sandwiches. Wrap tightly, store in a freezer bag, and bake straight from frozen at 350°F, adding a few extra minutes to the time.
Avoid microwaving:
While possible, it tends to make the rolls soft rather than crisp.
Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls—Quick & Fun
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini grilled cheese rolls
Description
These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are buttery, melty, kid-friendly, and perfect for quick snacks, parties, or cozy meals. A fun twist on classic grilled cheese, they bake in a pull-apart style using soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- Sliced cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon parsley flakes
Instructions
- Mix softened butter with garlic powder, oregano, and parsley until smooth.
- Separate the Hawaiian rolls and slice each in half like small sandwich buns.
- Cut each sliced roll into thirds to create mini sandwich pieces.
- Spread the seasoned butter generously on the cut sides of each roll section.
- Place a small piece of sliced cheddar between two buttered roll pieces and press lightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the mini sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
- Serve warm with tomato soup, marinara, or as a party appetizer.
Notes
Use softened butter for easy spreading, avoid overfilling with cheese, flip halfway for even browning, and serve hot for the best melted texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on one mini roll sandwich:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
FAQ About Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls
What makes Hawaiian rolls good for grilled cheese?
Their soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness create a wonderful contrast with the savory cheese and herb butter. They also brown beautifully in the oven compared to regular sandwich bread. Because each roll is small, the result is a perfect bite-sized grilled cheese packed with flavor but easy to serve and enjoy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mini sandwiches a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This is especially helpful for parties or family gatherings. Simply bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if the rolls are cold.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Classic cheddar slices work beautifully because they melt smoothly and provide bold flavor. You can use mild cheddar, Colby-Jack, or a cheese blend. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta or cotija.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While Hawaiian rolls create the best sweet-savory balance, you can use any soft dinner roll. Brioche buns, slider rolls, or even mini ciabatta slices work, though they’ll change the flavor and texture slightly.
How do I reheat leftovers?
The best method is reheating them in the oven at 325°F. This helps the rolls crisp back up and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a rush.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls combine everything people love about grilled cheese with the fun, shareable size of Hawaiian rolls. They’re quick, easy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re making them for kids, guests, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe guarantees warm, melty comfort every time. For more inspiration, check out this Easy German Chocolate Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!