Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are a delightful appetizer featuring soft Hawaiian rolls filled with a gooey blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. These bite-sized treats are buttered, seasoned with garlic powder and herbs, then baked to golden perfection, making them perfect for snacks, parties, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 12 Hawaiian Rolls (soft dinner rolls or sourdough can be used as substitutes)
For the Cheese Filling
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Gouda or pepper jack can be used for variation)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Creamy fontina can be used for added creaminess)
For Spreading
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened, olive oil spray is a lower-fat alternative)
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs (fresh basil or oregano can enhance flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping them connected at the back for ease of handling.
- Butter the Rolls: Generously spread softened butter on the cut sides of both halves of each roll to create a golden crust after baking.
- Add Flavor: Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the buttered surfaces if desired and optionally add dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Fill with Cheese: Distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on the bottom half of the rolls, ensuring a rich, gooey filling.
- Reassemble Rolls: Place the top half of each roll back over the cheese-covered bottom halves.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in aluminum foil to trap heat and moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the wrapped rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Unwrap and Finish Baking: Carefully unwrap the foil and return the rolls to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a slight crispness on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, let the rolls cool for a moment, then slice into individual portions and serve warm for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a fun dipping option.
- Use quality cheeses and fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not skimp on the butter to achieve a golden and delicious exterior crust.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute butter with olive oil spray but expect a less rich flavor.
- Fresh herbs or minced garlic can enhance the flavor if you prefer over dried versions.
