Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving a melty, buttery sandwich that has a delightful twist of sweetness and savory herbs, then you’re going to absolutely love this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe. Perfectly soft and slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls pair amazingly with sharp cheddar cheese and a luscious garlic herb butter that bakes into every bite. It’s simple, comforting, and so addictive that you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, whether for a quick snack, a cozy dinner, or even a party appetizer that impresses everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These few but essential ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures in your grilled cheese. Each component plays a crucial role—from the sweetness and softness of the Hawaiian rolls to the aromatic punch of the herb butter, culminating in the gooey cheddar cheese that’s the heart of this dish.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The foundation of this recipe, their signature sweet and fluffy texture is what makes this grilled cheese stand out.
- Sliced cheddar cheese: Choose a sharp or medium cheddar for that perfect melt and rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the rolls.
- 4 tbsp butter (softened): The key to creating that golden crust and infusing the rolls with delicious richness.
- 1/2 tsp oregano: Adds a subtle herbal earthiness that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings in a savory kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
- 1/2 tbsp parsley: Freshens up the flavor palette and adds lovely color to the butter spread.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
Start by mixing the softened butter with oregano, garlic powder, and parsley. This flavored butter is the secret star ingredient that transforms the Hawaiian rolls from simple to spectacular, infusing a savory layer that balances the sweet bread beautifully.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Carefully separate each King’s Hawaiian roll and then cut each roll into thirds. This smaller size makes for perfectly bite-sized, manageable grilled cheese sandwiches that are fun to eat and great for serving to a crowd.
Step 3: Butter and Assemble
Spread the garlic herb butter generously on each piece of the cut rolls—this ensures every edge will crisp up nicely in the oven. Layer the sliced cheddar cheese between the buttered pieces, building those melty mini sandwiches that are simply irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled mini grilled cheese sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them into a 350-degree oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to get an even golden-brown crust and deliciously melted cheese inside.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top right after baking not only adds a fresh pop of color but also elevates the herbaceous notes in the sandwich. If you want a little extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika can add wonderful smoky depth.
Side Dishes
This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with a classic warm tomato soup—the quintessential grilled cheese companion—but also try serving it alongside crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance richness with refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
These mini sandwiches look fantastic arranged on wooden serving boards for a rustic vibe, or on bright white porcelain platters to let the golden crusts pop visually. For a fun party twist, serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard or chipotle mayo, and watch your guests delight in customizing their bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese sandwiches left, store them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days, making for a quick and delicious snack later on.
Freezing
While these grilled cheese minis are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them after baking. Wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven. This helps restore the crisp exterior without drying out the cheese, keeping your Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe tasting just as delightful the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add interesting flavors and creamy melts. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination with the sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Is it necessary to bake the sandwiches, or can I pan-fry them?
Baking makes it easy to cook multiple sandwiches evenly and infuse that garlic herb butter without extra fuss. However, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of butter if you prefer a quicker method and a slightly different texture.
Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the garlic herb butter in advance is a great time-saver. Just store it wrapped tightly in the fridge, and soften it a bit before spreading on your rolls when you’re ready to assemble.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without making the bread soggy?
Reheating in a skillet or toaster oven is your best bet for crispy results. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the bread chewy or soggy and the cheese can become rubbery.
Can this recipe be doubled for a large group?
Definitely! The recipe scales beautifully, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings. Just be sure to arrange sandwiches in a single layer on your baking sheets to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe that hits every comfort food note: a touch of sweetness, loads of melty cheese, and the savory herb butter that pulls it all together. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just treating yourself, this easy yet special recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Go ahead, give it a try and fall in love with every warm, golden bite!
PrintHawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese recipe features soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls layered with melted cheddar cheese and a savory garlic herb butter, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a cozy snack, these mini sandwiches offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that pair wonderfully with tomato soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – 1 package (12 rolls)
- Sliced cheddar cheese – enough to layer on each sandwich (approximately 12 slices)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with oregano, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all the herbs and spices are evenly incorporated into the butter.
- Slice Rolls: Separate the King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls individually. Then, carefully cut each roll into thirds horizontally to create three thin slices per roll, perfect for mini sandwiches.
- Butter the Rolls: Spread a generous layer of the garlic herb butter onto each slice of roll, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place a slice of cheddar cheese between two buttered roll slices to form mini grilled cheese sandwiches. Arrange the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sandwiches on the baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and melting of the cheese.
- Serve: Remove from the oven once golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve warm, optionally alongside a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
Notes
- You can prep the sandwiches 30-60 minutes ahead of time but serve them warm for best flavor and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- For a crispier exterior, you can broil the sandwiches for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These mini sandwiches are great for both kids and adults, ideal for parties, appetizers, or quick snacks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sandwich
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian roll grilled cheese, mini grilled cheese, King’s Hawaiian sandwich, garlic herb butter sandwich, easy appetizer, cheesy snack

