Name: Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: For the Sandwiches; 1 package (12 ounces (340 g), Hawaiian sweet rolls, 12-count); 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (thinly sliced or shredded); 6 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese (thinly sliced or shredded); For the Buttery Garlic Topping; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, divided); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; For Serving; 2 cups warm tomato soup (optional, for serving)

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese turns a package of soft, lightly sweet rolls into a pan of warm, pull-apart sandwiches filled with melted cheddar and mozzarella. The rolls develop crisp, buttery tops while staying tender inside, and the blend of cheeses gives each sandwich both bold flavor and a satisfying cheese pull.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping introduction image

This baked version is easier to prepare for a group than cooking individual grilled cheese sandwiches on the stovetop. The entire slab is assembled in a 9-by-13-inch pan, baked until the cheese melts, and divided into 12 small sandwiches.

Why This Recipe Works

Keeping the rolls connected makes the sandwiches faster to assemble and prevents the cheese from sliding out as easily.
Sharp cheddar provides a pronounced cheese flavor, while low-moisture mozzarella melts smoothly and adds stretch.
Brushing the cut sides with melted butter creates a richer filling and helps protect the bread from becoming soggy.
Covering the pan during the first part of baking traps enough heat to melt the cheese before the tops become too dark.
A brief uncovered bake gives the sweet rolls a crisp, golden surface without drying out their centers.

Equipment Needed

9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-cm) baking dish
Large serrated knife
Small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
Pastry brush
Aluminum foil
Thin spatula or knife for separating the sandwiches

Ingredients List

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping ingredients

For the Sandwiches

1 package, 12 ounces (340 g), Hawaiian sweet rolls, 12-count
6 ounces (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
6 ounces (170 g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced or shredded

For the Buttery Garlic Topping

4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted, divided
1 teaspoon (5 g) Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For Serving

2 cups (480 ml) warm tomato soup, optional, for serving

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Hawaiian sweet rolls: These rolls provide the soft texture and lightly sweet flavor that distinguish this recipe. Other connected dinner rolls can be substituted, but less-sweet rolls will produce a more traditional grilled cheese flavor and may require a slightly shorter baking time if they are smaller.
Sharp cheddar: Cheddar supplies most of the savory cheese flavor. Medium cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack can replace it in the same quantity. Milder cheeses will produce a less pronounced flavor.
Low-moisture mozzarella: Mozzarella melts evenly and creates a stretchy filling without releasing as much liquid as fresh mozzarella. Provolone or Monterey Jack can be substituted. Fresh mozzarella is not recommended because its moisture may make the bottoms of the rolls soggy.
Dijon mustard: Dijon adds mild acidity and helps balance the sweet bread and rich cheese. Yellow mustard can be used for a sharper, more familiar flavor, or the mustard can be omitted without affecting the texture.
Unsalted butter: Butter helps the rolls brown and gives the crust a grilled-cheese-style richness. Salted butter can be used, but omit the additional sea salt from the topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-cm) baking dish with about 1 teaspoon of the melted butter.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping step 1

Step 2: Slice the rolls

Keep the rolls connected and place them on a cutting board. Using a large serrated knife, slice horizontally through the entire slab to create one top layer and one bottom layer. Work slowly so the rolls stay attached.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping step 2

Step 3: Prepare the bottom layer

Place the bottom half of the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Brush the cut surface with about 1 tablespoon of the melted butter, reaching the edges without saturating the bread.

Step 4: Add the cheese

Arrange the cheddar evenly over the bottom rolls, followed by the mozzarella. Spread the cheese all the way to the outer edges so each sandwich receives a similar amount. If using shredded cheese, keep it in an even layer rather than forming thick mounds.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping step 5

Step 5: Replace the tops

Set the top half of the rolls over the cheese with the cut-side facing down. Press very lightly so the slab sits evenly, but do not compress the soft bread.

Step 6: Mix the garlic butter

Whisk the remaining melted butter with the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt. The mixture may look slightly separated, so stir it again immediately before brushing.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping step 8

Step 7: Brush the rolls

Brush the garlic butter over the tops and exposed sides of the rolls. Use a light, even coating, allowing a small amount to run between the individual rolls without pooling heavily in the bottom of the dish.

Step 8: Cover and bake

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, until the rolls are warm and the cheese has begun to melt. The center sandwiches may take slightly longer to heat than those around the edges.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping step 10

Step 9: Brown the tops

Remove the foil and continue baking for 8 to 10 minutes. The tops should be golden and lightly crisp, and the cheese should be fully melted. If the rolls are browning too quickly, loosely return the foil to the pan.

Step 10: Rest and separate

Let the sandwiches rest for 5 minutes so the melted cheese settles slightly. Cut along the roll seams with a thin knife or separate them gently with a spatula. Serve warm with tomato soup, if using.

Tips for Success

Use low-moisture cheese rather than fresh mozzarella to prevent excess liquid from collecting beneath the rolls.
Slice the rolls with a gentle sawing motion. Pressing down firmly can flatten the bread and make the sandwiches dense.
Distribute the cheese evenly, including along the outer edges, so the corner sandwiches are not underfilled.
Keep the pan covered until the cheese begins to melt. Baking uncovered from the start can brown the rolls before the centers are hot.
Do not pour all the butter into the seams. Too much butter around the bottom edges can make the rolls greasy rather than crisp.
Serve the sandwiches soon after baking for the softest bread and best melted-cheese texture.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigerate leftover sandwiches within 2 hours of baking. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, reheat the sandwiches in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 8 to 12 minutes, loosely covered with foil for the first half of the reheating time. Remove the foil for the final few minutes to restore some crispness. Microwave reheating works but will make the rolls softer.
To freeze, cool the baked sandwiches completely and separate them into individual portions. Wrap each sandwich tightly and place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For make-ahead preparation, assemble the rolls with the cheese up to 6 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate them without the butter topping. Prepare and brush on the garlic butter immediately before baking. Add 2 to 4 minutes to the covered baking time if the sandwiches are cold from the refrigerator.

Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese with a Buttery Garlic Topping final dish

FAQ

Can I use only one type of cheese?

Yes. Use 12 ounces of cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or provolone. Using only cheddar creates a stronger flavor but less stretch, while using only mozzarella produces a milder sandwich.

Why is the bottom of my grilled cheese soggy?

The cheese may have contained too much moisture, or too much butter may have pooled in the baking dish. Use low-moisture cheese and brush the butter on in a thin layer rather than pouring it over the rolls.

Can I add meat to these sandwiches?

Yes. Add up to 8 ounces of thinly sliced cooked ham or turkey between the two cheese layers. The result becomes a ham-and-cheese or turkey-and-cheese slider rather than a traditional grilled cheese.

Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese ahead of time?

The sandwiches can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 6 hours. Keep the butter topping separate and brush it on immediately before baking so the rolls do not absorb too much moisture.

How do I keep the tops from becoming too dark?

Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes. If the rolls are already golden after the foil is removed, cover them again loosely and continue baking until the center cheese has melted.