Introduction

These Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Soft, sweet rolls packed with savory cheese, tender deli beef, and a hint of pineapple make for a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

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.
Alternative 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

For a vegetarian alternative, omit deli beef and add grilled mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique taste.
If fresh pineapple is unavailable, make sure to drain canned pineapple very well to avoid sogginess.

Storage

Store any leftover mini grilled cheese rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through, about 8-10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before cooking. Bring them to room temperature before grilling for best results.

What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?

If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, soft dinner rolls or slider buns are good substitutes, but the signature sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls adds a special touch.

Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

These Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are a delightful savory treat featuring soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with a cheesy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, savory deli beef, and sweet pineapple. The rolls are coated with a flavorful butter and mayonnaise mixture, then grilled to golden perfection on the stovetop or baked for a crispy finish. A garlic parsley glaze adds a flavorful, aromatic touch, making this perfect for parties, snacks, or an irresistible appetizer.

Author: Cleo
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

Rolls and Filling

One (1) 12-count package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
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)

Butter Mixture

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

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 the softened butter, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well blended. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, making sure to keep them hinged at the back so the rolls remain connected.
Apply Butter Mixture: Open the hinged rolls and generously spread half of the prepared butter-mayonnaise mixture onto the inside surfaces of the rolls. Close the rolls gently, then thoroughly coat all the outside surfaces including the top, bottom, and edges with the remaining butter-mayonnaise mixture for full flavor and crispness.
Layer Fillings: Gently open the rolls again. Layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on the bottom half of the rolls, followed by all the Monterey Jack cheese. Then add 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 them gently to secure the fillings.
Stovetop Grilling (Recommended): Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully place the entire block of prepared rolls into the skillet. Cover them and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Using a spatula, flip the entire block, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the other side is also golden and the cheese is fully melted. For extra crispiness, stand the block on its edges in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove the rolls from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Apply Optional Glaze: While the rolls are resting, 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 until well combined. Generously brush this garlic parsley glaze over the top and sides of the grilled rolls to enhance flavor and add a beautiful finish.

Notes

If preferred, the rolls can be baked instead of grilled on the stovetop. Bake at 350°F (175°C) covered for 15-20 minutes, then uncovered for 5-10 minutes to crisp the tops.
Make sure to use fresh or well-drained canned pineapple to avoid excess moisture that might sog the rolls.
You can substitute deli beef with ham, turkey, or cooked bacon for variety.
Softened butter and mayo mixture ensures easy spreading and even coating on the rolls.
Letting the rolls rest after cooking allows the cheese to set, making slicing easier without spilling fillings.

Keywords: mini grilled cheese, Hawaiian rolls, cheesy sandwiches, appetizer, party snacks, savory sweet sandwiches