Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese sliders are a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Soft, slightly sweet rolls combined with melted cheese and savory ham or turkey make for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer.

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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Carefully split the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Brush the cut sides with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on the outside if using.
- Step 3: Layer the cheese evenly on the bottom half of the rolls. If you are adding ham or turkey, arrange the slices over the cheese.
- Step 4: Spread a thin layer of Dijon or honey mustard on the inside of the top halves for a tangy contrast. Place the tops back on, press gently, and brush the tops with more butter.
- Step 5: Bake the assembled sliders on the prepared baking sheet for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Step 6: For an extra crispy finish, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into individual sliders. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping American or cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Use dairy-free cheese slices to make a vegan-friendly version.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
- For a richer taste, mix softened butter with a pinch of garlic powder before brushing on the rolls.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to keep the rolls crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple more minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?
If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, soft dinner rolls or brioche buns work well as alternatives. Choose something slightly sweet and soft to mimic the original texture and flavor.
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Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese sliders combine soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls with melty American or cheddar cheese and savory ham or turkey for a deliciously satisfying snack or appetizer. Brushed with butter and baked to golden perfection, they offer a gooey, cheesy interior with a crisp, buttery exterior. A touch of Dijon mustard adds tangy contrast, and a sprinkle of garlic powder gives a subtle savory lift.
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 12 rolls Hawaiian rolls, split horizontally
- 8–10 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese
- 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
Butter Coating
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened or melted
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Split Rolls: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact so each roll remains as a hinged slider.
- Butter and Season: Brush the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves with melted butter. If using, sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the outside surfaces to add a subtle savory flavor.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Layer cheese slices evenly on the bottom halves of the rolls. Add ham or turkey slices on top of the cheese if desired.
- Add Mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon or honey mustard on the inside of the top halves of the rolls for a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Close and Butter Tops: Carefully place the top halves back onto the bottoms, pressing gently to secure. Brush the tops with more melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Place the assembled sliders on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey, and the tops are beginning to turn golden.
- Optional Broil: For an extra-crispy top, switch your oven to broil and broil the sliders for 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes to set slightly. Slice into individual sliders and garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use dairy-free cheese slices for a vegan alternative.
- Ham or turkey is optional; omit for a vegetarian version.
- If you don’t have garlic powder, you can skip it or substitute with onion powder.
- Serve with a side of pickles or mustard for added flavor contrast.
- For extra richness, add a slice of tomato or cooked bacon inside the sliders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hawaiian roll grilled cheese, sliders, cheesy sandwich, baked grilled cheese, ham and cheese sliders, quick appetizers

