Introduction

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is a sweet and savory twist on the classic sandwich, perfectly combining soft, slightly sweet rolls with melted Monterey Jack cheese. This comforting treat is quick to make and ideal for a cozy snack or light meal.

A white plate filled with about fifteen small square grilled cheese sandwiches, each showing a crispy, dark golden brown crust on both the top and bottom layers of toasted bread, with melted, gooey white cheese oozing out slightly from the sides. The sandwiches are sprinkled with small green herb bits for garnish. At the top of the plate is a small white bowl filled with a smooth, creamy white dipping sauce with a few green herb pieces scattered on the surface. The plate is placed on a soft pink cloth and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 Hawaiian rolls
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional: sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half without cutting all the way through, creating a hinge to keep them connected.
Step 2: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and spread butter on the insides of each roll.
Step 3: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the skillet and add a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. If using, add sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon now. Then press the top halves down gently.
Step 4: Grill the sandwiches until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the cheese.
Step 5: Once both sides are crispy and the cheese has melted, remove the sandwiches from the heat. Slice if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try mixing sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack cheese.
Adding a thin layer of mayonnaise instead of butter can create a crispier crust.
Include fresh basil leaves or a dash of garlic powder for a subtle herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes to restore the crispiness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds eleven small square grilled cheese sandwiches, each with a golden brown and crispy toasted bread layer on the outside, some with melted cheese oozing out from the edges and showing a creamy, slightly stretchy texture inside. The bread surface is browned with a few darker spots, and small bits of green herbs are sprinkled on and around the sandwiches. In the upper left corner of the plate, a white bowl filled with creamy, smooth, beige-colored dipping sauce is placed. The plate rests on a soft purple cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, you can substitute Hawaiian rolls with other soft breads like brioche or slider buns, but the slightly sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls complements the cheese uniquely.

How can I melt the cheese evenly without burning the bread?

Cooking over medium to medium-low heat allows the cheese to melt thoroughly while giving the bread time to toast gently. Covering the skillet briefly can also help trap heat for even melting.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 82 reviews

A deliciously melty Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese sandwich featuring sweet, soft rolls filled with gooey Monterey Jack cheese and optionally enhanced with sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon. Perfectly grilled to golden perfection for a comforting twist on classic grilled cheese.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 Hawaiian rolls
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Optional Ingredients

Sliced tomatoes
Crispy bacon

Instructions

Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without cutting all the way through, so the bottom and top halves remain connected.
Butter the Rolls: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on the insides of each roll to ensure a golden, crispy texture during grilling.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the bottom halves of the rolls onto the skillet and generously fill them with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Add sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon if desired. Press the top halves gently down onto the filling.
Grill the Sandwiches: Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping carefully, until both sides turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
Serve: Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice, and serve while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or herbs to the butter before spreading.
You can substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or cheddar cheese if preferred.
Be cautious when flipping to keep the sandwich intact and avoid spilling melted cheese.
Serve with a side of tomato soup for a classic pairing.

Keywords: Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Hawaiian Rolls, Monterey Jack Cheese, Easy Sandwich Recipe