Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
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.
- 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
