Description

Enjoy this Ultimate Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls recipe featuring layers of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and provolone or Gruyère cheeses melted inside buttery Hawaiian sweet rolls. Optional additions like thinly sliced cooked beef and grilled pineapple bits add a delightful savory and sweet twist. Perfectly pan-grilled to golden perfection, this recipe yields a deliciously melty, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Rolls and Butter

1 slab of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 rolls)
Unsalted Butter, softened (about 6 tablespoons, divided)

Cheese Blend

1 cup Sharp Cheddar, shredded
1/2 cup Monterey Jack, shredded
1/2 cup Provolone or Gruyère, shredded

Optional Fillings

Thinly Sliced Cooked Beef (about 6 ounces)
Grilled Pineapple Bits (about 1/2 cup)

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Instructions

Prepare Your Rolls: Carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally through the middle to create a top and bottom half while keeping all rolls connected.
Butter the Bottom Half: Place the bottom half on a clean cutting board or baking sheet. Spread a generous, even layer of softened butter over the cut side.
Layer the Cheese: Evenly distribute about two-thirds of the cheese blend over the buttered bottom half of the rolls.
Add Optional Fillings: If using, layer thinly sliced cooked beef and/or grilled pineapple bits over the cheese.
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the cheese blend over the optional fillings.
Place the Top Half: Carefully set the top half of the rolls back onto the bottom half, pressing down gently to secure.
Butter the Exterior: Spread softened butter generously over the entire top surface of the assembled roll slab.
Preheat Your Pan or Griddle: Heat a large non-stick skillet or electric griddle over medium-low heat.
Grill the First Side: Butter the bottom exterior of the roll slab. Transfer it butter-side down into the preheated pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Cover and Melt: Place a lid on the skillet or cover with a heat-safe dome to trap heat and melt the cheese, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
Flip and Grill the Second Side: Using a large spatula on top, carefully flip the entire slab over. Cook the other side for 5-7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
Slice and Serve: Transfer to a cutting board and use a serrated knife to slice along the perforations, separating individual mini grilled cheese sandwiches. Serve warm.

Notes

Use softened unsalted butter for easy spreading and best flavor control.
Keep heat at medium-low to avoid burning while thoroughly melting cheese.
Customize cheese blends depending on your preference for sharpness or creaminess.
Optional additions like cooked beef and grilled pineapple add extra savory and sweet flavors but can be omitted for a classic grilled cheese.
Using a lid or dome is essential to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
Slice carefully with a serrated knife to maintain sandwich shape.