Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls: These aren’t your average grilled cheese sandwiches! I’ve taken the comforting classic and given it a fun, festive twist, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a delightfully decadent weeknight dinner. Imagine the warm, gooey pull of melted cheese nestled within the soft, slightly sweet embrace of a Hawaiian roll, all perfectly toasted to golden perfection on the grill. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible.

While the grilled cheese sandwich boasts a rich history, spanning decades and evolving across cultures, this recipe puts a playful spin on tradition. The addition of the Hawaiian roll introduces a delightful sweetness that beautifully complements the savory cheese. It’s a testament to culinary innovation, taking a beloved comfort food and transforming it into something truly special. I’ve always loved the convenience of a grilled cheese, and these Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls take that convenience to a new level – perfect for individual servings and easy to customize.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls

The beauty of these Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls lies in their simplicity and deliciousness. The soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect canvas for the melted cheese, creating a delightful textural contrast. The slight sweetness of the rolls balances the saltiness of the cheese, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile that’s both satisfying and addictive. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it a perfect choice for any skill level. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a miniaturized version of their favorite comfort food?

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly these come together and how much your family and friends will adore them. Get ready to experience the joy of these Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls!

Ingredients:

1 package (8 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
8 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend work well)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 4 slices)
1/4 cup thinly sliced ham
1/4 cup pineapple chunks, drained well
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Rolls and Filling

Carefully separate the Hawaiian rolls. I like to gently pull them apart rather than cutting them, to avoid squishing them.
Using a butter knife or pastry brush, generously spread softened butter on the cut sides of all the rolls. Don’t be shy with the butter; it adds flavor and helps them toast beautifully.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce. This creates a delicious and slightly tangy sauce that complements the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls and the savory bacon and ham.
On one half of each roll, spread a thin layer of the mayonnaise-teriyaki sauce. I find a thin layer is best to avoid making the rolls soggy.
Evenly distribute the crumbled bacon over the sauce on each roll. Make sure to spread it out so each bite has a bit of bacon.
Next, add the thinly sliced ham. Arrange it neatly over the bacon. Again, aim for even distribution.
Top the ham with the drained pineapple chunks. Press them gently into the ham and sauce.
Finally, place 2 slices of your favorite cheese on top of the pineapple on each roll. I like to use a mix of cheddar and Gruyere for a complex flavor profile, but feel free to experiment!
Carefully top each filled roll with the other half of the roll, pressing gently to seal.

Grilling the Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. If using a grill pan, lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
Gently place the assembled rolls onto the preheated grill. Be careful, as the rolls can be delicate.
Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The grilling time may vary depending on your grill’s heat.
If you notice the rolls are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. You want a nice golden brown color, not burnt.
Once the rolls are perfectly grilled and the cheese is melted, carefully remove them from the grill and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
This cooling step allows the cheese to set a little, making them easier to handle and eat.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once slightly cooled, you can slice each roll in half to create mini sandwiches. This makes them easier to serve and eat.
Garnish with finely chopped green onions, if desired. A sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a little extra flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy! These mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls are best served warm, while the cheese is still melty and gooey.
Tip: For extra flavor, you can brush the tops of the assembled rolls with a little extra melted butter before grilling. This will add a beautiful sheen and enhance the overall taste.
Tip: If you don’t have a grill, you can make these in a panini press or even a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tip: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, meats, and even add other ingredients like jalapenos or different types of sauces to customize these to your liking. The possibilities are endless!
Tip: These mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun weeknight dinner. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tip: If you’re making these ahead of time, you can assemble them and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. Just add a minute or two to the grilling time to ensure the cheese is fully melted.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – my recipe for Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward instructions make it perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun weekend brunch, or even a quick and satisfying lunch. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences, making it a truly customizable dish.

The combination of buttery, toasted Hawaiian rolls, gooey melted cheese, and the delightful tang of the butter-garlic mixture is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and soft, making each bite a little taste of heaven. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a grilled cheese? This recipe elevates the classic to a whole new level of deliciousness, transforming a simple sandwich into a gourmet appetizer or snack.

Serving Suggestions:

These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a few additions. I love serving them alongside a crisp, refreshing salad for a balanced meal. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the grilled cheese. Alternatively, a creamy tomato soup is a classic pairing that always hits the spot. The warmth of the soup contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey rolls.

For a truly indulgent experience, consider serving them with a side of fruit, such as sliced strawberries or pineapple. The sweetness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter, creating a delightful flavor contrast. You could also get creative with dipping sauces! A spicy sriracha mayo, a tangy BBQ sauce, or even a simple balsamic glaze would add an extra layer of flavor.

Variations:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Sharp cheddar, creamy pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses would all work wonderfully. You could also add some thinly sliced ham, bacon, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture. For a vegetarian option, try adding sauteed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of bread. While Hawaiian rolls are my personal favorite, brioche rolls or even sourdough bread would also be delicious. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the type of bread you choose. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Don’t Forget to Share!

I genuinely hope you enjoy making these Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and it’s the perfect way to show off your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and feedback on social media using #MiniGrilledCheeseHawaiianRolls – I can’t wait to see your creations!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your grill pan, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!