Name: Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 Hawaiian rolls, split horizontally – soft, slightly sweet, and the star of the texture; 3 tablespoons butter, softened – for that golden, crispy exterior; 8–10 slices American cheese or cheddar – melts beautifully; use dairy-free slices for a vegan twist; 8–12 slices ham or turkey (optional) – for a savory, meaty layer; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or honey mustard – adds a touch of tang; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – for a subtle savory lift; Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish) – brightness and color

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Introduction

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, featuring soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with gooey melted cheese and savory meats. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or game night snack that everyone will love.

The image shows a white round plate with 13 golden-brown, crispy, and square-shaped fried cheese cubes arranged around a small white bowl of creamy pale yellow dipping sauce topped with small green herb bits. Each cheese cube has a crunchy dark brown crust on the outside, with gooey white melted cheese oozing out from the inside. The cubes are sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with a soft beige cloth nearby. The lighting highlights the crispy texture and creamy interior of the cheese cubes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 Hawaiian rolls, split horizontally
3 tablespoons butter, softened
8–10 slices American cheese or cheddar
8–12 slices ham or turkey (optional)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or honey mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Carefully split the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping tops and bottoms intact. Brush the cut sides with melted butter and sprinkle the outside with garlic powder if using.
Step 3: Layer cheese slices on the bottom halves of the rolls. If using, add ham or turkey slices evenly over the cheese.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of Dijon or honey mustard on the inside of the top halves for a tangy contrast.
Step 5: Place the top halves back on the bottoms, press gently, and brush the tops with more softened butter.
Step 6: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey and the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Remove from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into individual sliders. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add a slice of pineapple or a smear of teriyaki sauce for a festive Hawaiian twist.
Use reduced-fat cheese and whole-grain rolls with turkey for a healthier option.
For a dessert twist, try mascarpone, sliced strawberries, and honey instead of cheese and meat.
Make a vegan version using plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and smoked tempeh for a smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep the exterior crispy, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. You can freeze unbaked sliders for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How to Serve

A white plate holds twelve small square pieces of crispy, golden-brown fried cheese with slightly melted edges showing creamy white melted cheese inside each piece. In the center of the plate is a white bowl filled with smooth, light cream-colored dipping sauce topped with small green herb sprinkles. The cheese pieces are arranged around the bowl in a circle on a white marbled texture surface with a soft beige cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these without meat?

Absolutely. These sliders are delicious as vegetarian sandwiches—simply use extra cheese, grilled vegetables, or a savory spread like pesto instead of meat.

What’s the best cheese to use?

American cheese melts perfectly for a nostalgic gooey texture. Cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella adds more flavor complexity if you prefer.