Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is a cozy, quick-to-make sandwich featuring soft, sweet rolls and melty cheese. This recipe brings warm, gooey comfort with an optional savory twist, perfect for casual dinners or game nights.

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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Split the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact like little trays. Brush the cut sides with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder if using.
- Step 3: Layer cheese slices on the bottom halves. If using ham or turkey, arrange the meat evenly over the cheese.
- Step 4: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of the top halves to add a tangy contrast.
- Step 5: Place the top halves back on the bottom halves, press gently, and brush the tops with more butter.
- Step 6: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and tops are golden. For extra crispiness, broil 1–2 minutes more, watching carefully.
- Step 7: Remove from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, slice into individual sliders, and garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add a slice of pineapple or a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for a festive Hawaiian twist.
- Use reduced-fat cheese, whole-grain rolls, and turkey for a lighter version.
- Try a dessert slider by filling leftover rolls with mascarpone, sliced strawberries, and honey.
- Make it vegan by substituting plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and smoked tempeh.
Storage
Store leftovers 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 or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep sliders crispy. To freeze, assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.
How to Serve

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, add grilled vegetables, or spread pesto for extra flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
American cheese melts perfectly for that classic gooey texture. Cheddar or a cheddar-mozzarella blend adds more depth of flavor.
Print
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
A cozy and festive Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese sandwich made with soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, optional savory ham or turkey, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Baked to golden perfection and ideal for quick dinners, game nights, or comforting snacks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, split horizontally – soft and slightly sweet
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened – for a 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) – adds 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) – for brightness and color
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Rolls: Split the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact like mini trays. Brush the cut sides with melted butter and, if using, sprinkle the outside lightly with garlic powder.
- Layer Fillings: Place cheese slices evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. If using, add ham or turkey slices evenly over the cheese layer. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of the top halves of the rolls for a tangy contrast.
- Assemble & Butter: Place the top halves back onto the bottoms carefully, pressing gently to meld the layers. Brush the tops with more softened butter.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the tops are golden brown.
- Broil for Crispiness: For an extra-crispy finish, broil the assembled rolls for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Slice: Remove from oven, let rest for 2 minutes. Slice into individual sliders and garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add a festive twist by including a slice of pineapple or a smear of teriyaki sauce.
- For a healthier option, use reduced-fat cheese, whole-grain rolls, and turkey.
- Try a vegan version using plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and smoked tempeh.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- You can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Press gently before baking to meld cheese and fillings without squashing rolls.
- Mix smoked paprika into softened butter for extra flavor brushed on top before baking.
- Slice into sliders after baking to keep centers gooey and avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Grilled Cheese, Hawaiian Rolls, Quick Recipe

