The Ultimate Gooey Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders That Will Melt Your Heart

Name: Mini Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pack Hawaiian rolls (12-count); 8–10 cheddar cheese slices; 4 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 4 slices turkey bacon, beef bacon, or chicken bacon (optional); 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch pepper

February 14, 2026

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Introduction to Your New Favorite Snack

These Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders are about to change your life, offering the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and gooey, melted cheese. If you have ever struggled to make a traditional grilled cheese for a crowd, this recipe is the ultimate game-changer. By using a single sheet of sweet rolls, you can create a massive batch of cheesy goodness in a fraction of the time it takes to flip individual sandwiches. Whether you are hosting a game day party, planning a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving a nostalgic treat, these Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders deliver a level of comfort that is truly hard to beat.

The magic lies in the contrast between the soft, pillowy texture of the bread and the savory, salty kick of the cheese. When you brush that garlic-herb butter over the top, the rolls transform into a golden, aromatic masterpiece. It is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the kitchen before the timer even goes off. We have experimented with many variations, but this specific method ensures a crisp exterior and a molten interior every single time. If you love working with these sweet rolls, you should also check out The Most Heavenly Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe to Melt Your Soul for your next weekend brunch.

Why You’ll Love It

You will absolutely love these Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders because they take a classic childhood favorite and turn it into a high-efficiency party snack. Traditional grilled cheese can be labor-intensive, requiring constant attention at the stove. With this slider version, you get all that flavor with none of the stress. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls acts as a perfect foil to the richness of the cheddar cheese, creating a flavor profile that is addictive and complex. Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile; you can dress it up with bacon or keep it simple for the purists. It is a one-pan wonder that minimizes clean-up while maximizing flavor. If you enjoy the savory, handheld nature of this dish, you might also find yourself craving The Ultimate Juicy Classic Cheeseburger: A Bite of Nostalgic Perfection for your next cookout.

Ingredients for Success

To make the perfect batch of Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders, you only need a handful of high-quality ingredients. The foundation is a 12-count pack of sweet Hawaiian rolls, which provide that iconic texture. For the cheese, we recommend sharp cheddar slices, though a blend of cheeses can add even more depth. Melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder form the base of the savory glaze that makes these sliders shine. If you want to add a bit of protein, turkey, beef, or chicken bacon is an excellent optional addition. A touch of dried parsley adds visual appeal, while salt and pepper ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.

Notes and Substitutions

If you don’t have cheddar on hand, don't worry. Swiss, Havarti, or Gruyère are all phenomenal alternatives for Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, substituting half of the cheese with Pepper Jack can transform the flavor profile entirely. You can also experiment with different herbs in the butter glaze; fresh rosemary or thyme provides an elegant, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweet bread. If you are serving a vegetarian crowd, ensure your optional bacon is a plant-based version or simply omit it for a classic, cheesy experience.

Equipment Needed

To prepare these Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders, you will need a 9x13 inch baking dish, a serrated knife for slicing the rolls evenly, and a small bowl for melting your butter. A pastry brush is essential for applying the garlic-herb glaze evenly across the tops of the rolls. Using parchment paper or a light coating of non-stick spray on your baking dish will ensure that any cheese that escapes the rolls doesn’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.

The Culinary Chemistry of the Perfect Melt

When making Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders, the science behind the melt is just as important as the ingredients themselves. Grilled cheese sandwiches rely on the proper ratio of fat to moisture in the cheese. When the cheese reaches a certain temperature, the proteins begin to break down, allowing the fats to flow. In the oven, this process happens more uniformly than in a pan. The sweet Hawaiian bread contains a higher sugar content than standard white bread, which means it browns faster. This is why we bake these sliders covered with foil for part of the time—it allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without the sugar in the bread burning before the center is hot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to ensure your Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders come out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Without pulling the rolls apart, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top half and a bottom half.
Step 3: Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish. Layer 8 to 10 slices of cheese across the bottom, overlapping them slightly to ensure every bite is cheesy. If you are using bacon, layer the cooked slices over the cheese now.
Step 4: Place the top half of the rolls back onto the cheese layer.
Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 6: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the seasoned butter mixture, ensuring the butter drips down into the crevices.
Step 7: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. This traps the heat and melts the cheese without over-browning the bread.
Step 8: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, let them rest for 2 minutes, and then use a knife to slice into individual sliders. Serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Sliders

To take your Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders to the next level, try chilling the rolls for 20 minutes before slicing; it makes getting a clean, even cut through the entire block much easier. Additionally, don't skimp on the butter glaze. The onion and garlic powders are what elevate these from a simple sandwich to a gourmet appetizer. For the ultimate texture, consider using a mix of freshly shredded cheese and slices. Sliced cheese provides structural integrity, while shredded cheese melts into every nook and cranny of the Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders are best served alongside a bowl of hot tomato soup or a fresh garden salad. For a fun party variation, try adding a thin layer of jalapeño jelly or honey mustard inside the rolls for a sweet and spicy kick. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can make the bread chewy; instead, pop them back in the oven or an air fryer to restore that signature crispiness to your Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders.

Nutrition Information

The following table provides the estimated nutritional content for one serving of these sliders, which consists of two individual rolls.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	19g

Note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands used.

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Conclusion

There is nothing quite like the communal joy of pulling apart a tray of Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders. They are simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and universally loved by both kids and adults. By following this recipe, you are guaranteed to have a hit on your hands for your next gathering. The combination of the sweet roll, the sharp cheese, and the savory garlic butter is a trifecta of flavor that never fails. Go ahead, bake a batch today and see how quickly these Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders disappear!

FAQs

What is the best cheese for Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders?

While classic cheddar is a favorite for its sharp flavor and great melt, you can use a combination of Monterey Jack for creaminess or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.

How do I prevent the bottom of the rolls from getting soggy?

The key is to avoid over-buttering the bottom layer and to ensure you are baking at a high enough temperature (350u00b0F) to crisp the exterior without steaming the interior.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge and only brush the butter topping on right before you put them in the oven.

How do I reheat leftover sliders?

To keep the rolls from getting rubbery, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 320u00b0F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp again.

Eldralys Recipes

The Ultimate Gooey Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders That Will Melt Your Heart

Introduction to Your New Favorite Snack

Why You’ll Love It