Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe

If comfort food had a crown, this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese would be wearing it . Imagine fluffy, slightly sweet rolls stuffed with gooey melted cheddar (and maybe a little mozzarella for good measure), all brushed with a garlicky herb butter that bakes into pure golden perfection. It’s everything you love about grilled cheese—only easier to share and impossible to resist. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or whenever the grilled cheese cravings hit (which, let’s be honest, is pretty much always).

Golden Hawaiian rolls filled with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, brushed with garlicky herb butter, ready to pull apart and enjoy.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese

This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe is THE. BEST. Soft, buttery rolls filled with gooey melted cheese make for an irresistible snack, appetizer, or meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 package Hawaiian rolls 12 count
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a slab.
  3. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
  4. Place the top half of the rolls back on and brush generously with melted butter.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
  6. Remove from oven, cut into individual rolls, and serve hot.

Notes

You can switch up the cheese blend or add extras like ham or bacon for more flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet + Savory Magic: The buttery Hawaiian rolls add just the right hint of sweetness to balance the cheesy, garlicky goodness.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Baked as a pull-apart slab, this is a fun, shareable twist on the classic grilled cheese.
  • Customizable: Mix up the cheeses (Swiss, provolone, pepper jack) or even sneak in some ham or bacon for extra flavor.
  • Perfect with Soup: Tomato soup and this grilled cheese? Trust me, that’s soulmate-level pairing.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy dream come true:

  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet—the perfect bread base.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty; use mozzarella too for extra stretch.
  • Butter: Makes the rolls golden and adds richness.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses the butter with savory depth.
  • Dried Oregano: A hint of Italian flavor to balance the richness.
  • Dried Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
  • Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.

Note: Full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Mix softened butter with garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Prep the Rolls

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally as one big slab (don’t pull them apart individually yet).

Step 4: Butter and Layer

Spread the garlic butter over the inside of both halves. Layer the cheese slices evenly on the bottom half.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Place the top half of the rolls back on, press gently, and transfer the slab to the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let it rest for a minute, then cut into individual sandwiches. Serve warm and watch them disappear.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Separate the Rolls Early: Keeping them in a slab helps the cheese melt evenly and makes it easier to slice later.
  • Use Room Temp Butter: Softened butter spreads better, so every bite gets seasoned.
  • Go Cheese-Crazy: Combine two or three cheeses for max flavor and melt factor.
  • Check Halfway: If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

How to Serve

This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is delicious on its own, but here are some winning pairings:

  • Classic Combo: Dunk into a big bowl of tomato soup.
  • Party Platter: Serve alongside chips, pickles, or a fresh salad.
  • Brunch Twist: Pair with fruit salad or mimosas for a cheeky weekend treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 325°F until the cheese is gooey again. Skip the microwave if possible—it makes the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls with cheese and butter, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for fresh, melty goodness.

What cheeses work best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but provolone, Swiss, or even pepper jack bring fun twists. Use your favorite melting cheeses.

How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?
Bake on a lined sheet pan instead of a casserole dish so the bottoms get a little crispy.

Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Layer in ham, turkey, or crispy bacon between the cheese for a heartier sandwich.

✨ That’s your Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe in article form—friendly, drool-worthy, and structured for easy reading.

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