Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls (Printable version)
Pull-apart Hawaiian rolls layered with cheddar and mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter and baked or pan-grilled until golden.
# What you need:
→ Bread & Cheese
01 - 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls, unsliced
02 - 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
03 - 4 oz mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
→ Butter Spread
04 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
# How To:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F or set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Using a serrated knife, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in one piece without separating them. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet or flat work surface.
03 - Distribute the sliced cheddar and mozzarella evenly across the bottom half of the rolls, covering the entire surface. Place the top half of the rolls back over the cheese layer.
04 - In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley. Mix until well blended.
05 - Spread the butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, ensuring full coverage.
06 - For oven method: Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is fully melted and tops are golden brown. For skillet method: Cut into individual rolls and grill each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden with melted cheese.
07 - Remove from heat and let rest briefly. Separate into individual rolls and serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sweet Hawaiian roll combined with savory melted cheese is a flavor combination most people never expect and instantly obsess over.
- They come together fast enough to make on a weeknight but feel special enough for any gathering or celebration.
02 -
- If you forget to soften your butter and try spreading it cold, you will shred the tops of the rolls and end up with a patchy buttery mess instead of that gorgeous even golden crust.
- Cutting the rolls while they are still connected as one sheet is the single most important step because it keeps the cheese contained and makes portioning effortless after baking.
03 -
- Cover the tray loosely with foil for the first five minutes of baking if you want the cheese extra melted before browning the tops under the broiler for the final two minutes.
- Dusting a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the buttered tops right before baking elevates the flavor in a way that guests always notice but can never quite identify.