These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate comfort food hack, offering a buttery, golden, and melty bite that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are serving them alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or as a quick game-day snack, these sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There is so much to love about these Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls. Here are just a few reasons why they will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: No more standing over a hot stove flipping individual sandwiches; these are baked to perfection in the oven.
- Savory Garlic Butter: The garlic butter topping adds a rich, savory layer that elevates the sweet Hawaiian rolls.
- Perfect for Groups: Whether it is a movie night, playdate, or game day, these sliders are easy to scale up for a crowd.
- Ultra-Melty: Using the oven ensures the cheese melts completely while the bread stays soft and fluffy.
- Dunkable: Their small size makes them the perfect vessel for dipping into your favorite soups or sauces.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls, you will need the following simple ingredients:
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 8 to 10 slices of Cheddar Cheese
- 4 tablespoons of softened Butter
- 1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Dried Oregano
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped Parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of baked sliders:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. For easier cleanup, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and optional parsley. Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Slice the Rolls: Take your Hawaiian rolls and slice each one into thirds vertically. This creates more surface area for the butter and cheese.
- Butter the Bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of every roll slice.
- Layer the Cheese: Place slices of cheddar cheese between the roll pieces. Ensure the cheese covers the bread entirely so that every bite is gooey and delicious.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the sliders on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to flip the rolls halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides get golden and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and stretchy.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To ensure your Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Rolls: Fresh King’s Hawaiian rolls provide the best contrast between the fluffy interior and the toasted exterior.
- Choose the Right Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar can provide a superior “cheese pull.”
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: The butter is what creates that signature grilled cheese crunch in the oven. Make sure to coat the edges well.
- Flip for Crispiness: Flipping the sliders halfway through baking prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and ensures an even golden-brown color.
- Slice Evenly: Try to keep your vertical slices as even as possible so that all the sliders finish cooking at the same time.
Variations & Substitutions
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences:
- Pizza Sliders: Add a slice of pepperoni inside each roll and serve with a side of warm marinara sauce.
- Ham and Cheese: Layer a thin slice of deli ham with the cheddar for a more substantial “snack meal.”
- Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered tops before baking for extra crunch.
- Spicy Version: Use Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to serve them:
- Classic Pairing: Serve with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Party Dips: Offer ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or sriracha aioli on the side for dipping.
- Side Dishes: Pair with air fryer french fries, a simple Caesar salad, or fresh fruit slices for a balanced lunch.
- Deli Style: Serve with a side of crunchy pickles and potato chips for a nostalgic feel.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftovers, here is how to handle them:
- Storage: Keep leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating (Oven): The best way to regain the crispy texture is to reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Reheating (Air Fryer): For a faster option, air fry at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- Freezing: While the texture of the bread may change slightly, you can freeze baked sliders for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Nutrition Information
The following table provides an estimate of the nutritional values per serving (2 sliders):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 10g |
Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. For easier cleanup, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and optional parsley. Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.4 tablespoons softened Butter, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped Parsley
- Slice the Rolls: Take your Hawaiian rolls and slice each one into thirds vertically. This creates more surface area for the butter and cheese.12 King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Butter the Bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of every roll slice.
- Layer the Cheese: Place slices of cheddar cheese between the roll pieces. Ensure the cheese covers the bread entirely so that every bite is gooey and delicious.8 slices Cheddar Cheese
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the sliders on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to flip the rolls halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides get golden and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and stretchy.
Notes
FAQ
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! You can cook these in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on them as they will brown much faster than in a traditional oven.
What is the best cheese for melting?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, American, and Mozzarella are all excellent choices for these sliders. A combination of two different cheeses often yields the best flavor and texture.
Can I assemble these ahead of time?
You can assemble the sliders up to 6 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
Do I have to use King’s Hawaiian rolls?
While any small dinner roll will work, the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls provides a unique flavor profile that perfectly complements the salty cheese and garlic butter.