If you’ve ever wondered how to take a simple grilled cheese up a notch, this Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe is going to be your new go-to. The magic lies in using those irresistibly soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls that contrast beautifully with melted cheddar cheese inside. It’s a combo that’s just plain fun and comforting, whether you’re whipping up a quick snack or serving a crowd at a party.

I first stumbled on this recipe when I wanted something bite-sized yet satisfyingly cheesy for a get-together. What I love is how easy it is to pull together and how the added spices—like oregano and garlic powder—bring subtle layers of flavor without drowning the dish. Trust me, once you try this Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe, you’ll be making it over and over for everything from casual lunches to game day bites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients here is key to that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. I always keep these basics on hand so I can whip this up anytime, and you probably will want to too.

King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The soft, sweet rolls are the star here. Their fluffiness and sweetness create the perfect base for melty cheese and butter.
Sliced cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar both work, but I like sharp cheddar for its bold flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
Butter (softened): Makes the outside crispy and golden when grilled. Using softened butter makes spreading easier and more even.
Oregano: Adds a subtle herbaceous note without overpowering the cheese.
Garlic powder: Gives just the right hint of garlicky warmth, elevating the flavor profile.
Parsley: Fresh or dried, parsley adds a touch of color and freshness that brightens the sandwich.

Variations

I love customizing this Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or the mood I’m in. Feel free to get creative—you’ll be surprised at how versatile it is!

Variation: Adding a slice of ham or turkey turns these into mini melt sandwiches, which is a personal favorite when I want a heartier snack.
Variation: For a spicy kick, sprinkle a little red pepper flakes or swap garlic powder for smoked paprika—it brings a new flavor dimension.
Variation: Switch cheese types—try pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for extra gooey stretchiness.
Variation: Use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley and oregano for a brighter, fresher taste when they’re in season.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Rolls and Butter Mixture

Start by slicing your King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally—if they’re connected already, just gently pull them apart to create top and bottom layers. In a small bowl, mix your softened butter with oregano, garlic powder, and parsley until well combined. This herbed butter will add delicious flavor and help get that toasty golden crust you want.

Step 2: Assemble the Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of the herbed butter mixture on the cut sides of the rolls—you’ll want to butter both the top and bottom pieces. Next, place a slice (or two) of cheddar cheese inside each roll. If you’re adding any extras like ham, layer it here. Then sandwich them back together.

Step 3: Grill with Care

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat—this step is crucial because cooking too hot will brown the bread before the cheese melts inside. Place your assembled mini sandwiches in the pan and press them down lightly with a spatula. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe

Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra parsley on top after plating for a pop of color—it just makes the mini sandwiches look irresistible. Sometimes I serve them with a side of spicy mustard or a tangy tomato dip that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a bowl of tomato soup. When I want something heartier, I bring alongside some sweet potato fries or coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these mini grilled cheeses on a large platter with toothpicks inserted for easy grabbing. Sometimes I alternate with veggie skewers or fruit slices to add color and variety—that always gets compliments and makes the table inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare around here!), wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. I find they keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but the bread won’t be as crispy when reheated—don’t worry, the melty cheese still shines through.

Freezing

Freezing mini grilled cheese sandwiches can be a bit tricky because the rolls can get soggy. I’ve had better success freezing them unassembled—just prep your rolls and cheese separately. When ready, assemble fresh and grill. However, if you must freeze assembled ones, flash freeze them individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a skillet on low heat, flipping often.

Reheating

To maintain crispiness, I recommend reheating in a hot skillet with a little butter instead of a microwave. About 2-3 minutes per side on medium-low heat usually does the trick—this revives the buttery crust and keeps the cheese gooey.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian for this recipe?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls give a unique sweet flavor and soft texture that complements the cheese perfectly, you can use any soft dinner rolls or slider buns you have on hand. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly, but the method stays the same.
What cheese works best for Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Cheddar is a classic choice because it melts well and has a nice sharp flavor, which balances the sweet rolls. However, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses depending on your taste preferences.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Using softened butter spread evenly on both sides before grilling helps seal the bread and creates a crispy crust, preventing sogginess. Also, cooking over medium-low heat allows the cheese to melt without burning the bread, keeping texture just right.
Can I add meats or veggies to these mini grilled cheese sandwiches?

Definitely! Adding sliced ham, turkey, or even cooked bacon pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls and melted cheese. For veggies, try thin slices of tomato or avocado after grilling to add freshness and texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The small size and sweet bread make these mini grilled cheese sandwiches an instant hit with kids. You can keep the flavors simple or sneak in some finely chopped herbs for a gentle introduction to new tastes.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet feels special every time I make it. Whether you’re feeding kids, guests, or just indulging yourself on a lazy afternoon, these mini grilled cheeses never disappoint. I can’t recommend giving them a try enough—you’ll find yourself reaching for those sweet rolls and cheddar a lot more often than you think!

Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese recipe features soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls filled with melted cheddar cheese and a flavorful buttery herb mixture. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these mini sandwiches make a delicious snack or appetizer.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 12 mini grilled cheese sandwiches 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
12 slices cheddar cheese

Butter Herb Spread

4 tbsp butter, softened
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Butter Herb Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, oregano, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a flavorful spread.
Slice the Rolls: Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom piece for each mini sandwich.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the butter herb mixture on the inside of both the top and bottom halves of each roll. Place a slice of cheddar cheese between the halves.
Heat the Sandwiches: Preheat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheddar cheese is melted.
Serve Warm: Remove the grilled cheese minis from the pan and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the melty cheese with the sweet, buttery Hawaiian rolls.

Notes

Use softened butter for easy mixing with the herbs and spices.
Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to your preference for cheesiness.
You can add extra seasonings like black pepper or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
For a crispier finish, press the sandwiches lightly with a spatula while grilling.

Keywords: Hawaiian rolls, mini grilled cheese, cheddar cheese, buttery herb spread, snacks, appetizers, sweet rolls