Get ready to fall head over heels for this Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe — an irresistible twist on a classic comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls combined with melty cheddar and a garlicky herb butter take this mini grilled cheese sandwich from ordinary to downright extraordinary in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Sweet & Savory: The Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar and aromatic herbs.
- Bite-Sized & Crowd-Friendly: These mini sandwiches are great for parties, snacks, or a cozy family meal.
- Simple Yet Flavorful: A handful of basic ingredients transforms into a show-stopping dish anyone can make.
- Customizable & Kid-Approved: Adapt with different cheeses or herbs, and watch even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe relies on a few simple ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the sweet, pillowy rolls to the gooey cheddar cheese and the savory buttery herb spread.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These are the ultimate foundation—soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for mini sandwiches.
- Sliced Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers that classic grilled cheese melt and flavor punch.
- Butter (softened): It helps brown the rolls and creates a luscious coating when mixed with herbs.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note to the butter mix.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses each bite with a warm, aromatic garlicky flavor.
- Parsley: Freshens things up with a brightness and mild herbaceous taste.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the best things about this Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to adjust. Feel free to get creative and make it your own, whether it’s swapping cheeses, adding extras, or tailoring it for dietary preferences.
- Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella for a stretchier melt, pepper jack for some spice, or Swiss for a nuttier flavor.
- Herb Mix: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme to change the flavor profile.
- Add-Ins: Sneak in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or even a thin slice of ham inside the sandwich.
- Diet-Friendly: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter to make this recipe allergy-friendly while keeping all the yum.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Garlic Herb Butter
The magic begins by mixing softened butter with oregano, garlic powder, and parsley. This fragrant butter blend is going to coat every nook of your Hawaiian rolls and add a burst of flavor that elevates this sandwich beyond the usual grilled cheese.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls and Spread Butter
Cut each King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Roll individually, then cut each roll into thirds for perfectly bite-sized mini sandwiches. Spread that luscious garlic herb butter evenly on each slice—don’t be shy, each bit needs that flavorful coating!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Now it’s time to build your mini grilled cheese. Place a slice of cheddar between two butter-coated roll pieces on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even golden-brown perfection on both sides.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, these golden, bubbly mini sandwiches are best enjoyed warm, perhaps alongside a comforting bowl of tomato soup to dip and savor. But honestly, they’re so good on their own, they’ll disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Butter Softness Matters: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth spreading.
- Don’t Skip Flipping: Turning the sandwiches halfway ensures both sides crisp up evenly without burning.
- Use a Baking Sheet with Edges: It helps contain any melted cheese that might ooze out during baking.
- Herb Balance: If you find the herbs overpowering, just dial them back a bit to let the sweetness of the rolls shine through.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light dusting of parmesan cheese on top immediately brightens and dresses up the mini grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a pop of color and an extra hint of flavor that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve these mini grilled cheeses alongside a classic tomato soup for the ultimate comforting duo. Alternatively, a fresh leafy salad or crunchy pickles are great options to balance the richness and add refreshing textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the mini sandwiches on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper and garnish with fresh herbs for an inviting presentation. You could also create a sandwich platter with assorted cheeses and dips to turn this into a party centerpiece everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mini grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, allow them to cool completely before storing.
Freezing
These sandwiches freeze beautifully — simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month, making them an excellent make-ahead snack or lunch option.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated mini grilled cheese sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy, flipping halfway for even heating. Avoid microwaving to keep them wonderfully crusty.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese for this Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a melty stretch or Swiss for a nuttier taste. Mixing cheeses can also add delightful complexity.
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Is it necessary to flip the sandwiches while baking?
Yes, flipping ensures both sides get that perfect golden crust and the cheese melts evenly without burning on one side.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter to enjoy all the rich flavors without dairy. Just check that the cheese melts well to mimic the classic grilled cheese texture.
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What’s the best way to serve Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese sandwiches to a crowd?
Arrange them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing and serve alongside multiple dipping sauces or soups. This makes for a fun and interactive finger food that guests will adore.
Final Thoughts
If you want a snack or meal that feels cozy, nostalgic, and just a little bit special, this Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe should be your go-to. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table — I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with your favorite people!
PrintHawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese recipe is a delicious and easy twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Using soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls combined with melted cheddar cheese and a flavorful garlic herb butter, these bite-sized sandwiches are perfect as an appetizer or comforting snack. Baked to golden perfection, they pair wonderfully with tomato soup for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini grilled cheese sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (quantity as needed)
- Sliced cheddar cheese (enough to fill each mini sandwich, approx. 12 slices)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with oregano, garlic powder, and parsley until well combined, creating a flavorful garlic herb butter.
- Slice the Rolls: Cut King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls individually, then slice each roll into thirds to create mini sandwich-sized pieces.
- Butter the Rolls: Spread the prepared garlic herb butter evenly on each sliced piece of the rolls to ensure a deliciously savory crust when baked.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place slices of cheddar cheese between two buttered roll pieces to create mini grilled cheese sandwiches. Arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Sandwiches: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled sandwiches for about 20-25 minutes. Flip the sandwiches halfway through baking to ensure even melting and browning.
- Serve: Once golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, pair with tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use softened butter to ensure easy mixing with herbs and spices.
- Flipping the sandwiches halfway helps achieve even crispiness on both sides.
- This recipe works well as an appetizer or snack for parties and gatherings.
- Can be prepared ahead by assembling sandwiches and refrigerating before baking.
- Opt for sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
