Introduction

These Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls combine gooey melted cheese, savory deli beef, and sweet pineapple for a delightful bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties or a fun snack, they offer an irresistible balance of flavors on soft, buttery rolls.

Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

One (1) 12-count package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces (approx. 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces (approx. 1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 ounces (approx. 1 cup) thinly sliced deli beef, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup finely diced pineapple (fresh or well-drained canned)
Optional Glaze:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine softened butter, mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Using a serrated knife, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, keeping them connected at the back (hinged).
Step 2: Open the hinged rolls and generously spread half of the butter-mayonnaise mixture onto the inside surfaces. Close the rolls, then generously coat all outside surfaces (top, bottom, edges) with the remaining butter-mayonnaise mixture.
Step 3: Gently open the rolls. Layer half of the cheddar cheese on the bottom half, then all the Monterey Jack cheese, then the remaining cheddar. Evenly scatter the thinly sliced deli beef and finely diced pineapple over the cheese layers. Close the rolls and press gently to secure fillings.
Step 4: Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes. Carefully place the entire block of rolls in the skillet. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and cheese melts. Flip the block, cover again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the second side is golden and cheese is fully melted. For extra crispiness, briefly stand on edges for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove to a cutting board and rest for 2-3 minutes.
Alternate Step 4 (Oven Grilling): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer filled rolls to the sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is mostly melted. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until tops are golden and crispy. Remove to a cutting board and rest for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: While rolls rest, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley. Brush this glaze generously over the top and sides of the grilled rolls.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor, or canned pineapple that’s well-drained to avoid sogginess.
Substitute deli beef with thinly sliced ham or turkey for a milder taste.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or spread some sriracha mayo inside before layering cheese.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the deli beef and add sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

Storage

Store leftover rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through to keep the bread crispy and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these mini grilled cheese rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before cooking. Just bring them to room temperature briefly before grilling to ensure even cooking.

What can I use if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

Soft dinner rolls or slider buns work well as a substitute, though the sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls adds a unique touch to this recipe.

Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

Indulge in the Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls, a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Featuring sweet Hawaiian rolls sliced horizontally and filled with a savory blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, thinly sliced deli beef, and juicy pineapple pieces, these bite-sized sandwiches are slathered with a flavorful butter-mayonnaise mixture infused with garlic and onion powders. The sandwiches are then grilled gently on the stovetop to achieve a golden, melty finish, and optionally glazed with a garlic-parsley butter for an extra burst of flavor and shine. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or comfort food treat.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 mini sandwiches 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

One (1) 12-count package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces (approx. 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces (approx. 1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 ounces (approx. 1 cup) thinly sliced deli beef, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup finely diced pineapple (fresh or well-drained canned)

Optional Glaze

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Prepare Butter-Mayonnaise Mixture & Slice Rolls: In a bowl, combine softened butter, mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth to create a flavorful spread. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, keeping them connected at the back to form a hinged loaf.
Apply Butter Mixture: Gently open the hinged rolls and generously spread half of the butter-mayonnaise mixture onto the inside surfaces of the rolls. Close the rolls, then apply the remaining butter-mayonnaise mixture evenly over all the outside surfaces—including the top, bottom, and edges—to ensure full flavor coverage.
Layer Fillings: Carefully open the rolls again. Layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese on the bottom half first, followed by all of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and then the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Evenly scatter the thinly sliced deli beef pieces and finely diced pineapple over the cheese layers. Close the rolls and press gently to secure all the fillings in place.
Stovetop Grilling (Recommended): Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully place the entire block of filled rolls into the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip the block over, cover again, and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. For an extra crispy crust, stand the rolls on their edges briefly for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and transfer to a cutting board to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing.
Apply Optional Glaze: While the rolls rest, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley to create a glossy, flavorful glaze. Brush this glaze generously over the top and sides of the grilled rolls to add shine and savory notes.

Notes

For a larger crowd, you can use the oven grilling method by baking the assembled rolls at 350°F (175°C). Cover loosely with foil and bake 15-20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Ensure pineapple is well-drained if using canned to avoid sogginess in the rolls.
Use a large non-stick skillet and medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts completely.
Resting the rolls after grilling helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to cut without oozing.
You can substitute deli beef with ham or turkey for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: grilled cheese, Hawaiian rolls, mini sandwiches, appetizers, party snacks, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, deli beef, pineapple, stovetop grilling