Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls

Mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls are the perfect blend of sweet and savory comfort food that easily comes together for any gathering or quick snack. This recipe highlights the irresistible combination of melty cheeses and buttery rolls baked to golden perfection, offering a convenient yet indulgent treat that always disappears fast at my house.

I remember making these for a family movie night and watching how quickly everyone reached for seconds. They have since become my go-to appetizer that always impresses without stress.

Gather Your Ingredients

• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: which gives sharpness and a vibrant orange color choose freshly shredded for better melt and flavor
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: that melts beautifully and adds creaminess look for low-moisture varieties to avoid a runny filling
• Half a cup of softened butter: to generously coat the bread ensuring a golden crust and rich taste using unsalted butter allows you to control seasoning
• Optional garlic powder: to sprinkle over buttered rolls for a subtle aromatic boost make sure it is fresh to keep the flavor lively
• One pack of Hawaiian rolls: known for their soft sweet crumb that contrasts perfectly with the savory cheese select rolls that are fresh and not stale for the best texture

How to Make It

Prepare the Oven:

Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so it is fully heated by the time you finish assembling the rolls

Slice the Rolls:

Without separating the pack carefully slice all the Hawaiian rolls horizontally into top and bottom halves maintaining the whole loaf shape for even assembly

Butter the Rolls:

Use softened butter and generously spread it over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves. This step is crucial for giving the final baked rolls a rich golden finish

Add Garlic Powder:

If you want an extra layer of flavor sprinkle garlic powder evenly on the buttered halves. This subtle seasoning takes the rolls to the next level in aroma and taste

Layer the Cheese:

Evenly distribute both shredded cheddar and mozzarella on the bottom half of the rolls. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface for consistent melty goodness in every bite

Reassemble the Rolls:

Gently place the top half of the rolls back onto the cheesy bottom half aligning the edges so the sandwich remains intact during baking

Wrap in Foil:

Tightly wrap the whole sandwich with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent the rolls from drying out during the baking process

Bake:

Place the wrapped rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese inside is completely melted and bubbly

Unwrap for Crispiness:

For an appealing golden crust carefully unwrap the foil and return the rolls to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning

My favorite part is the Hawaiian roll itself. The slight sweetness paired with the savory melted cheese reminds me of casual family gatherings where these rolls vanish before the conversation even fully starts. They capture comfort in every bite and bring everyone together.

Flavor Boosters

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist or gently crisp them unwrapped for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these mini grilled cheese rolls with a side of tomato soup or a crisp green salad for a comforting meal. They also make fantastic finger food alongside pickles or a simple fruit tray during parties.

Creative Twists

In colder months try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the butter for a warm spicy twist. During summer toss in fresh basil or sliced tomatoes inside before baking for a light fresh variation.

These mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines ease and flavor elegantly.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What temperature is best for baking?

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) for even melting and baking without drying out the rolls.

→ Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or fontina can be substituted for variation.

→ Should the rolls be separated before baking?

No, keep the rolls together and slice horizontally to retain moisture and ease of serving.

→ Is garlic powder necessary?

Garlic powder is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor when sprinkled on buttered rolls.

→ How do I achieve a crispy top crust?

After baking wrapped, unwrap the rolls and bake for an extra 5 minutes to form a golden crust.