Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese. I keep a bag of Hawaiian rolls on the counter for nights when we need something warm and uncomplicated. I pull them apart with the kids and let them pick cheese or bacon. I’m Chef Thomas.
This little sandwich grills up in minutes and still feels a bit special. If you like soft rolls and cheesy edges, try the Copycat Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread idea for a similar comfort twist.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is the kind of recipe you make without fuss and it rewards you every time. I’ve done this a thousand times in home kitchens and it always lands — simple, fast, and reliably tasty. As Chef Thomas I like recipes that let the ingredients do the talking.
- Too easy weeknight win: Ready in about ten minutes from first slice to plate.
- Kid-friendly build: Small rolls are perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
- Crisp outside, gooey inside: Butter and a hot pan give crunch while the cheese melts.
- Flexible add-ins: Tomatoes or bacon lift it without complicating the method.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
- 4 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon
These ingredients work together simply. The rolls give a soft, slightly sweet base. Butter crisps the outside while the Monterey Jack melts into a creamy center. This is how I describe it in my kitchen, says Chef Thomas.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Halve the rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half without cutting all the way through.
Step 2: Butter the insides
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and butter the insides of each roll.
Step 3: Assemble on the skillet
Place the bottom halves of the rolls on the skillet and fill generously with cheese. Press down slightly with the top halves.
Step 4: Grill to color
Grill until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
Step 5: Rest and slice
Once both sides are crispy and cheese is melted, remove from heat, slice, and serve hot.
How I Serve Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
I serve these warm and right away. I like the contrast of the crisped roll edges and the melty cheese center. Often I set out a small board of add-ins so everyone customizes theirs. A quick bowl of pickles or a spoon of ketchup works fine. For a simple plate I’ll add raw carrot sticks or a small green salad. If I want something heartier, I’ll tuck in a slice of tomato or a strip of crispy bacon — the saltiness goes a long way. For a different weeknight idea I’ll sometimes pair it with a light pizza like the crescent roll veggie pizza when I’m stretched for time. Chef Thomas
Variations and Adjustments for Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Cheese swaps
Try sharp cheddar for a tangier bite or provolone for stretch. Mixing a bit of Monterey Jack with cheddar keeps the melt while boosting flavor.
Add-in ideas
Layer sliced tomatoes for brightness or crumbled bacon for crunch. A thin smear of mustard or a whisper of garlic butter inside before grilling changes the profile without fuss.
Size and cook adjustments
For more sandwiches, use a griddle and work in batches. For a larger sandwich, press a little harder when assembling so the cheese spreads and melts evenly. Small temperature tweaks—medium rather than medium-high—help prevent burning while still getting a golden crust.
I like to keep these flexible. Use what’s on hand and make small adjustments rather than changing the method. Chef Thomas
Storing and Making Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Ahead
You can assemble the sandwiches up to an hour before cooking and keep them covered in the fridge. If you want to make a batch earlier, grill them briefly to set the crust, cool on a rack, and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet or a hot oven to revive crispness rather than microwaving, which softens the crust. If you’ve added tomatoes, consider storing those separately to avoid sogginess. For freezer make-ahead, assemble without butter on the outside and wrap tightly; when you’re ready, thaw then butter and grill as usual. These small steps keep texture closer to fresh. Chef Thomas
The Small Detail That Makes Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Work
The tiny trick most people skip is keeping the rolls hinged when you slice them. Not cutting all the way through keeps fillings from slipping and lets you press the top down for even contact with the pan. That contact is what gives you those browned edges and the instant melty center. Also, butter the insides of the rolls rather than the skillet first; it tames splatter and ensures the butter is where it matters. Watching the first side color up makes a big difference — flip too soon and you lose the crisp. That one small detail is often the difference between a decent sandwich and one that’s worth repeating. Takeaway: keep the hinge and press gently.
Final Thoughts on Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is the kind of small, dependable recipe I turn to when I want something honest and fast, and it’s the kind of thing I show kids to encourage simple cooking. This sandwich teaches timing and patience in a friendly way, and it’s easy to tweak without stress. Thanks for cooking along with me — Chef Thomas.
Conclusion
For another mini grilled cheese take, see this baked slider version at Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders (Easy Baked Mini Grilled …). If you like a garlicky twist, this variation shows a different approach at Garlic Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls – The Sassy Barn.
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the rolls by slicing them in half without cutting all the way through.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and butter the insides of each roll.
- Place the bottom halves of the rolls on the skillet and fill generously with cheese. Press down slightly with the top halves.
- Grill until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
- Once both sides are crispy and cheese is melted, remove from heat, slice, and serve hot.
