If you’re looking for a grilled cheese that breaks away from the ordinary, this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. The sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls add a fun twist that pairs perfectly with gooey, melted Monterey Jack cheese. I remember the first time I tried making this—it was like the classic comfort food got a tropical vacation, and you’ll love how easy and quick it comes together.

This sandwich shines when you want something cozy but a bit unexpected, whether it’s a quick lunch, a snack before a movie, or even a fun dinner for the kids. Plus, the balance between sweet rolls and savory cheese is something your taste buds will thank you for every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of Hawaiian rolls and Monterey Jack cheese is what makes this grilled cheese stand out. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, so I always recommend getting the freshest rolls you can and shredding your own cheese for the best melt.

Hawaiian rolls: Their soft texture and subtle sweetness make all the difference in flavor and mouthfeel.
Monterey Jack cheese: Smoothly melts with a mild flavor that balances nicely against the sweet rolls.
Unsalted butter: For spreading inside the rolls to create that perfect golden crust without overpowering the other flavors.
Optional sliced tomatoes: A fresh tang that adds a juicy bite if you want a little more complexity.
Optional crispy bacon: If you’re craving some smoky crunch, this is an easy add-in that’s a total game-changer.

Variations

I love how versatile this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played with different add-ins and tweaks to match what I’m craving or what’s in the fridge—feel free to make it your own!

With bacon: Crispy bacon adds such a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor—I swear this is the ultimate indulgence.
Add avocado: For a creamy texture and a little healthy boost, sliced avocado is a delicious surprise.
Spicy kick: Try a dash of sriracha or some jalapeño slices inside if you like your grilled cheese with a bit of heat.
Different cheeses: Swap Monterey Jack for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for more punch.
Vegan twist: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version that still hits the spot.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Rolls Just Right

Start by slicing the Hawaiian rolls carefully in half—but don’t cut all the way through! Keeping the halves connected makes it easier to fill and flip without the cheese spilling everywhere. It might help to use a serrated knife for a clean cut and gentle sawing motion.

Step 2: Butter Up and Heat Things Up

Get your skillet nice and hot over medium heat, then spread a thin layer of unsalted butter on the inside of the rolls. This step is crucial for adding flavor and helping the sandwiches get that perfect, golden crust. Trust me, it’s worth taking the extra minute here rather than skipping.

Step 3: Cheese It and Press Gently

Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the skillet and pile on the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously—don’t be shy! Then, carefully press the top halves down just a little to keep everything together while the cheese starts melting. I like to keep the heat moderate to prevent burning before the cheese is nice and gooey.

Step 4: Flip with Care and Grill Both Sides

After about 3-4 minutes, when the bottom side is golden brown and crispy, flip the sandwich carefully using a spatula. Cook the other side for the same amount of time, ensuring that golden crust forms on both sides and the cheese is melted thoroughly. If you find the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, you can cover the skillet briefly to trap heat.

Step 5: Serve While It’s Hot

Once both sides are beautifully toasted, take your Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese off the pan and slice it up while it’s still warm. This is when the cheese is perfectly stretchy and the rolls are tender but crisp—delicious!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with small, square grilled cheese bites, toasted to a golden brown with some darker spots. Each piece has crispy bread on the outside, and melted cheese is visible oozing out from several of them, with a slightly stretchy texture and some green herb bits on top. On the plate, near the cheese bites, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy, light beige dipping sauce that has tiny dark specks in it. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a soft purple cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, I like a little fresh basil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor contrast. Sometimes, a dab of tangy mustard or a smear of garlic aioli on the side makes dipping irresistible.

Side Dishes

When I’m serving this grilled cheese, I usually keep it simple with a crisp green salad or some tomato soup. Sweet potato fries or a handful of pickles are also great if you want to add some texture and variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party or casual get-together, I love arranging mini versions of this grilled cheese on a platter with colorful toothpicks. It’s playful and perfect for sharing. Another time, I served them alongside a tropical fruit salsa to lean into the Hawaiian vibe even more—everyone raved about it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. I’ve found they stay decent for up to 2 days, but they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh. To avoid sogginess, try to reheat quickly so the crust stays somewhat crisp.

Freezing

Freezing works, but with a bit of a texture trade-off. If you decide to freeze, wrap sandwiches individually and place in a freezer bag. When you thaw them, reheat in a skillet rather than microwave for a better crust and melty cheese. I usually only freeze when I want a grab-and-go snack.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Covering the pan for a minute helps melt the cheese, and flipping halfway ensures both sides get crispy again. This method keeps the sandwich tasting almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the sweet rolls, cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack also work well. Just pick a cheese with good melting qualities for the best result.
How do I prevent the sandwich from burning before the cheese melts?

Cooking over medium heat is key—too high and the rolls brown too fast while the cheese stays solid. If needed, you can cover the pan briefly to trap heat, helping the cheese melt faster without burning the bread.
Can I add extra fillings to the Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Definitely! Sliced tomatoes, bacon, avocado, or even sautéed mushrooms can all be delicious additions. Just be mindful of not overstuffing, so the sandwich stays easy to flip and eat.
Are Hawaiian rolls essential for this recipe?

While the recipe shines with Hawaiian rolls because of their unique sweetness and softness, you can experiment with other sweet rolls or even brioche. Just expect a slightly different flavor and texture.
How do I keep the grilled cheese crispy when reheating?

Reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat works best. This method crisps the bread back up while gently melting the cheese inside. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a simple upgrade that always feels like a treat. It’s the kind of sandwich you toss together when you want comfort food with a little twist—and it never disappoints. I hope you’ll give it a try and maybe even put your own spin on it. Happy grilling!

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, using sweet and soft Hawaiian rolls paired with gooey Monterey Jack cheese. Optional additions like sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon add extra flavor and texture. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal or snack, this grilled cheese is crisp on the outside and melty on the inside.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 Hawaiian rolls
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Optional Additions

Sliced tomatoes
Crispy bacon

Instructions

Slice the Rolls: Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through so the halves remain hinged.
Butter the Rolls: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread unsalted butter on the inside surfaces of each Hawaiian roll half to ensure a golden, crispy texture when grilled.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls onto the skillet. Generously add shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of each, and then press the top halves down slightly to sandwich the cheese.
Grill the Sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip them using a spatula. Grill the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until it is also golden and the cheese has melted completely.
Serve Hot: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet once both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted. Slice if desired and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

To add extra flavor, consider including sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon inside the sandwich before grilling.
Be careful when flipping the sandwich to keep the cheese from spilling out.
Use a non-stick skillet and medium heat to avoid burning the bread.
For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of cheeses such as cheddar with Monterey Jack.

Keywords: Hawaiian roll grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, easy sandwich recipe, Monterey Jack cheese sandwich, comfort food