This Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe is THE. BEST

As a baker, I love creating recipes that bring comfort and joy in every bite, and this Hawaiian Roll Mini Baked Grilled Cheese is a perfect example. The moment I first made these little sandwiches, I knew they would be a crowd-pleaser. Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are layered with gooey melted cheese and savory slices of turkey bacon and chicken ham. When baked to golden perfection, the combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. I enjoy making them for gatherings, quick lunches, or even as a cozy snack while watching a movie.

What makes this recipe special is how it balances indulgence with simplicity. You don’t need elaborate ingredients or complicated techniques to create something impressive. The sweet rolls contrast beautifully with the savory fillings, making each bite rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. The melted cheese stretches with every pull, and the lightly crisped edges add a delightful crunch. This recipe embodies comfort food at its finest, yet it’s playful and fun to make, especially if you enjoy baking and experimenting in the kitchen.

You’ll love this recipe because it is versatile. You can prepare it for breakfast, lunch, or as a party appetizer. They are easy to serve as finger food at gatherings, and you can even prepare them in advance and bake them when needed. They appeal to kids and adults alike, making them a family favorite.

This recipe is also affordable, requiring only a few simple ingredients that you can find at any local grocery store. No special equipment is needed beyond a baking dish and oven, which makes it a convenient choice for home cooks of any level.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Mini Baked Grilled Cheese:

• 12 soft Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half

• 6 slices of chicken ham

• 6 slices of turkey bacon, cooked until crispy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

These ingredients come together quickly to create a dish that is both visually appealing and bursting with flavor. From the buttery rolls to the melty cheese and savory fillings, every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making this recipe a must-try in your collection.

How to Prepare

Preparing these Hawaiian Roll Mini Baked Grilled Cheese sandwiches is straightforward, yet the results feel luxurious. The process starts with assembling the ingredients and ends with golden, melty perfection that everyone will love. With step-by-step instructions, even beginner bakers can achieve a professional-looking result, and it only takes a little organization and patience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Greating the oven ensures that your sandwiches will bake evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly. While the oven is heating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.

2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Keep the rolls connected if possible to make layering easier. If using individual rolls, you can arrange them side by side in the baking dish. The soft texture of the rolls will create a perfect base for the cheese and meat.

3. Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. You can also bake it on a sheet pan for convenience. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. This step adds flavor and ensures the bacon maintains a pleasant crunch.

4. Prepare the butter mixture by combining melted butter, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will be brushed on top of the sandwiches, creating a golden, flavorful crust during baking.

5. Assemble the sandwiches by layering ingredients on the bottom half of the rolls. Start with a slice of chicken ham, followed by a slice of turkey bacon, and then sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Be generous with the cheese for a gooey, satisfying result.

6. Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the layered ingredients. Ensure they are slightly pressed down to help the sandwiches hold together, but not so much that the cheese squeezes out.

7. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor and ensures the tops turn golden brown. You can also sprinkle a little extra garlic powder or parsley for additional flavor and presentation.

8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the sandwiches from drying out while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt fully and the flavors to combine beautifully.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on the sandwiches to avoid burning, as ovens vary in temperature.

10. Let the sandwiches rest for 2–3 minutes after removing from the oven. Resting allows the cheese to settle slightly, making it easier to cut and serve while still maintaining that melty texture.

11. Slice and serve as finger food or small sandwiches. They are perfect for brunch, lunchboxes, or as an appetizer at gatherings. These sandwiches are quick to enjoy, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven for the same delicious experience.

Tips for Quick and Easy Customization

• Swap cheeses: Try provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

• Add vegetables: Thin slices of tomato, spinach, or bell peppers work well without overwhelming the flavors.

• Make it spicy: Spread a thin layer of sriracha or spicy mustard inside the rolls.

This recipe is popular with many people because it combines familiar flavors in a fun and bite-sized format. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls pairs perfectly with savory meats and melted cheese, making these sandwiches a hit for kids, adults, and party guests alike. With a little preparation, you can serve dozens of these in under 30 minutes, proving that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

This Hawaiian Roll Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe is THE. BEST

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This Hawaiian Roll Mini Baked Grilled Cheese recipe is a delightful combination of soft, slightly sweet rolls, savory chicken ham, crispy turkey bacon, and melted cheeses. Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or a quick meal, it is simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 soft Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half
• 6 slices of chicken ham
• 6 slices of turkey bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping halves together or arranging individual halves side by side.
3. Cook the turkey bacon until crispy and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
5. Layer the bottom halves of rolls with chicken ham, turkey bacon, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses.
6. Place the top halves of rolls over the fillings and press lightly.
7. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until golden brown.
10. Let rest for 2–3 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

Customize with different cheeses or add vegetables for extra flavor.

Can be made ahead and baked before serving.

Freezing is possible; bake directly from frozen with extra minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving to ensure the cheese is melty and the rolls are fresh.

Q: Can I freeze these sandwiches?
A: Absolutely. Wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What cheeses work best?
A: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can experiment with provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors. A mix of cheeses usually gives the best melt and flavor combination.

Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes. Simply omit the chicken ham and turkey bacon. You can replace them with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or plant-based deli slices to keep them flavorful and satisfying.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy.