There’s something deeply comforting about a gooey grilled cheese, and when you swap plain bread for sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls you get a little summer sunshine in every bite. Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is an easy, seasonal twist on a childhood favorite — the slightly sweet, tender roll plays beautifully with melted Monterey Jack and optional add-ins like ripe tomato or crispy bacon. If you’re a home cook who loves comforting, from-scratch dishes with a playful flair, this recipe will become a fast favorite. For other creative grilled cheese ideas that pair well with this, take a peek at this delightful pesto grilled cheese spin that brings herbaceous flavor to the table.
Why this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is worth making
This version brightens the familiar grilled cheese by using Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness and extra tenderness — perfect for seasonal gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or cozy afternoons when you want something nostalgic with a twist. Monterey Jack melts smoothly and stretches just right, while buttered rolls get golden and crisp on the outside. It’s simple, fast, and endlessly adaptable: add herbs, swap cheeses, or turn it into sliders for parties. Read on for everything you need, step-by-step tips, storage advice, and serving ideas.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon
Notes
- Hawaiian rolls: Look for sweet, soft rolls (King’s Hawaiian-style). They toast nicely and hold a lot of melty cheese.
- Monterey Jack: Mild, creamy, and great for melting. Swap in cheddar, provolone, or a blend if you like a sharper flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted lets you control saltiness. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt elsewhere.
Helpful tools and equipment
- Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan (preheat over medium heat for even browning)
- Spatula with a thin edge for easy flipping
- Small grater or food processor for shredding cheese if using a block
- Knife and cutting board for slicing rolls and optional tomatoes/bacon
- Baking tray and oven (if you prefer oven-baked method)
- Optional: kitchen thermometer (not necessary for this recipe but helpful when cooking meats like bacon)
If you like experimenting with grilled sandwiches, you might enjoy the creative twist in a zucchini grilled cheese for sneaking extra veg into a cheesy snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)
Prepare the rolls
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without cutting all the way through so each roll remains hinged. This creates neat little pockets to hold the cheese and makes flipping easier.
Heat the skillet
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. A properly preheated pan ensures even browning without burning the butter.
Butter the rolls
- Spread a thin layer of unsalted butter on the insides (both top and bottom) of each roll. The butter helps the rolls crisp to a golden brown and adds rich flavor.
Assemble in the pan
- Place the bottom halves of the rolls, butter-side down, on the skillet. Fill generously with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly distributed among the 4 rolls. If you’re using optional sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon, add them on top of the cheese now. Press down slightly with the top halves to compact the sandwich and help the cheese contact the heat.
Grill the first side
- Grill until the bottoms are golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3–4 minutes. Keep the pan at medium heat; too high and the outside will burn before the cheese melts.
Flip carefully
- Use a thin spatula to flip each roll carefully, keeping them as intact as possible. Grill the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, another 3–4 minutes. If the rolls are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and cover the pan for 30–60 seconds to encourage melting without over-browning.
Finish and serve
- Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted, remove from heat. Let the sandwiches rest for a minute, then slice and serve hot.
Tips and variations
- Oven-baked (batch method): If you’re making many sliders, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Assemble the buttered rolls and cheese in a baking tray, then bake for about 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted. For extra color, broil 1–2 minutes at the end — watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Pressed/grilled variation: Use a heavy pan or a sandwich press to flatten the rolls slightly for a crispier crust and more even melt.
- Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack for spice, sharp cheddar for tang, or Gruyère for nutty depth. Mixing Monterey Jack with a touch of cheddar is a popular combo.
- Add-ins: Fresh basil, a smear of pesto, caramelized onions, or a slice of pineapple (for a true Hawaiian nod) are delightful options.
- For crispier tomatoes: roast tomato slices briefly on a tray with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding to the sandwich to prevent sogginess.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip bacon and add roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for umami.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing leftovers
- Short-term (refrigerator): Store cooled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving will heat the cheese but can make the rolls soggy.
Freezing
- To freeze: Assemble sandwiches without frying. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Reheating from frozen: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes for crispness. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.
Make-ahead tips
- Pre-slice rolls and shred cheese to speed assembly.
- If adding bacon, cook it ahead and refrigerate in a paper towel–lined container to remove excess grease.
- For crowd-friendly service, make multiple sandwiches and keep warm on a baking tray at 200°F until ready to serve (cover loosely with foil to prevent drying).
Portioning advice
- This recipe uses 4 Hawaiian rolls — perfect for 4 snack-size sandwiches or 2 generous servings if split. For parties, double or triple the quantities and use the oven-bake method to cook many at once.
How to Use / Serve This Dish
Serving ideas
- Make it a meal: Pair your Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a bright tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or seasoned sweet potato fries for a satisfying dinner.
- Slider party: Turn these into mini sliders for gatherings. Offer a toppings bar (bacon, tomato, pickles, pesto, hot sauce) so guests can customize.
- Brunch upgrade: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a pot of coffee for a cozy brunch spread.
- Kid-friendly lunch: Cut into quarters and serve with carrot sticks and applesauce for a balanced kids’ lunch.
Creative variations
- Hawaiian BBQ twist: Add pulled pork and a light brush of tangy barbecue sauce beneath the cheese for a BBQ slider vibe.
- Caprese-style: Swap bacon for fresh basil and balsamic glaze with thin tomato slices for a Caprese-inspired grilled cheese.
- Vegetable-forward: Add thinly sliced zucchini or sautéed greens for extra texture and nutrients — a great complement to the sweet rolls if you’re trying to get more vegetables into the meal. For more veggie-inspired grilled cheese ideas, check out this tasty broccoli cheese casserole for crowd-pleasing comfort food inspiration.
Pairings
- Drinks: A crisp iced tea, a hoppy pale ale, or a citrusy sparkling water balance the roll’s sweetness.
- Sides: Coleslaw, dill pickles, or a simple vinaigrette-dressed salad add acidity and crunch.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these without butter?
A: Yes. You can brush the rolls lightly with olive oil to achieve a golden crust. Butter offers richer flavor but oil works for a lighter option or if you’re avoiding dairy on the outside.
Q: How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover grilled cheese sandwiches keep well for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely. Monterey Jack is mild and melts beautifully, but cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses all work. Be mindful of saltier cheeses — you may want to reduce added salt if using them.
Q: What’s the best way to get gooey, evenly melted cheese?
A: Keep the heat at medium and allow the bottom to brown slowly while the cheese melts. Cover the pan briefly (30–60 seconds) if the exterior is browning faster than the cheese is melting, or finish in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is a simple, satisfying recipe that elevates the classic grilled cheese with a sweet, tender roll and melty Monterey Jack — perfect for seasonal gatherings, quick dinners, or a cozy solo treat. If you want another perspective on this indulgent sandwich, check out This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe is THE. BEST. For a garlicky variation that leans into bold flavors, I also recommend the Garlic Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls take. And if you’re entertaining or making bite-sized versions, the Mini Baked Grilled Cheese recipe has excellent ideas for scaling up and baking in batches. Give this recipe a try, make it your own with favorite add-ins, and share a photo or note about how you customized it — I’d love to hear what you create.
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 rolls Hawaiian rolls Look for sweet, soft rolls (e.g., King’s Hawaiian-style).
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Mild and creamy; can swap for cheddar or provolone.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
Optional Add-Ins
- to taste sliced tomatoes For freshness and flavor.
- to taste crispy bacon Adds crunch and richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without cutting all the way through to create hinged pockets.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
- Spread a thin layer of unsalted butter on the insides of each roll.
Cooking
- Place the bottom halves of the rolls, butter-side down, on the skillet and fill with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, adding any optional ingredients on top.
- Grill until the bottoms are golden brown and cheese starts to melt, about 3–4 minutes.
- Carefully flip each roll using a thin spatula and grill the other side until golden and cheese is fully melted, another 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a minute before slicing and serving hot.
