This hawaiian roll grilled cheese takes the soft, pillowy inside of King’s Hawaiian rolls and turns it into a golden, crispy crust while tucking melty provolone and savory ham into what used to be the outside. The whole thing comes together as one giant sandwich that you slice into portions, and the first time I served it at a potluck, three people asked for the recipe before I’d even finished eating my own piece.
It takes about 25 minutes and uses six ingredients you can grab at any grocery store. If you’re after more quick recipes that feed a group, my Easy Strawberry Danishes | Flaky & Buttery in 40 Min are always a hit, or you can try this Orange French Toast Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes for a sweet breakfast option.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese approach makes feeding a group so much easier. Instead of standing over the stove flipping individual sandwiches, you make one big one and slice it into portions. The mayonnaise on the outside creates an incredibly crispy, golden crust that’s even better than butter.
The seasoned salt and dried minced onion add a savory depth that keeps this from being too sweet, and the honey ham brings just enough saltiness to balance the provolone. It’s comfort food that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Plus, kids absolutely love the pull-apart style. There’s something fun about sharing one giant sandwich that makes it feel like an event.
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Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Ingredients
You only need six simple ingredients to make this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese.
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities
King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls : These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the foundation of the recipe. Flipping them inside out creates a crispy exterior while keeping the center tender.
Honey ham : Adds a salty-sweet flavor that complements the rolls perfectly. Layer it evenly for the best distribution in every bite.
Provolone cheese : Melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Use deli-sliced for easier layering.
Seasoned salt : Brings out all the flavors and adds a savory note that balances the sweetness of the rolls.
Dried minced onion : Adds a subtle onion flavor and a bit of texture without the bite of raw onion.
Mayonnaise : This is your secret weapon for an incredibly crispy, golden crust. It spreads more evenly than butter and creates better browning.
How To Make Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Slice the rolls: Cut across all the rolls lengthwise in one long, even cut, keeping them connected as one big slab.
Flip them inside out: Turn the rolls so the soft insides are now facing outward. This will become your crispy exterior once grilled.
Layer the ham: Place the honey ham slices evenly across the bottom half of the rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Add the cheese: Top the ham with sliced provolone, distributing it evenly so every slice gets plenty of melty cheese.
Season: Sprinkle the seasoned salt and dried minced onion over the cheese layer, spreading it out for even flavor.
Close the sandwich: Gently place the other half of the rolls on top, creating one large sandwich.
Spread with mayo: Use a butter knife or spatula to spread a generous, even layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the top bread layer.
Heat your skillet: Set a large pan or griddle over medium-high heat and let it warm up for about 2 minutes.
Place mayo-side down: Very carefully transfer the entire sandwich onto the hot skillet with the mayonnaise side facing down.
Mayo the top: While the first side cooks, spread mayonnaise evenly on the side that’s now facing up.
Cover and cook: Put the lid on the skillet to help the cheese melt and the ham warm through. Let the first side turn golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Flip the sandwich: Once the bottom is golden and crispy, use two spatulas (one on each end) to carefully flip the whole thing over in one motion.
Finish cooking: Replace the lid, keep the heat at medium, and let the second side brown while the cheese finishes melting, another 4 to 5 minutes.
Slice and serve: Transfer the entire crispy grilled cheese with mayonnaise to a serving platter or large cutting board and slice into individual portions.
Substitutions and Variations
Different cheese: Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella all work well in place of provolone. You could also mix two types for more depth.
Swap the meat: Turkey, roast beef, or even bacon would be delicious instead of ham. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sliced tomatoes and extra cheese.
Butter instead of mayo: If you prefer, you can use softened butter on the outside. It won’t crisp quite as evenly, but it still tastes great.
Add veggies: Thinly sliced bell peppers, spinach, or pickles can be layered with the ham and cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or everything bagel seasoning to the cheese layer for more flavor
Equipment For Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
- Large skillet or griddle: Big enough to fit the entire sandwich
- Lid for skillet: Helps melt the cheese and warm everything through
- Two spatulas: Makes flipping the large sandwich much easier and safer
- Sharp knife: For slicing the rolls initially and cutting the finished sandwich
- Cutting board: For prep work and serving
- Parchment paper or wax paper (optional): Lay this down before assembling to make cleanup a breeze
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sandwich will soften as it cools, but it still tastes great.
Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread won’t stay crispy.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this pull-apart Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese as the texture of the rolls changes too much when thawed.
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the sandwich up to the point of grilling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is incredibly versatile. Here are some cozy, family-friendly ways to serve it:
With tomato soup: The classic pairing never gets old. A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup alongside this cheesy Hawaiian roll slider is pure comfort.
Game day spread: Serve it with chips, veggies and dip, and your favorite wings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer table.
Brunch option: Pair it with a light salad and fresh fruit for a savory brunch dish. It goes especially well with my Crispy Feta Fried Egg Recipe (5 Ingredients, 8 Minutes!) on the side.
Picnic perfect: Slice it, wrap the pieces individually, and pack them for a picnic or outdoor lunch. They travel well and taste great at room temperature.eezing for X days/weeks/months.
Expert Tips
Use room temperature ingredients: Take the cheese and ham out of the fridge about 15 minutes before assembling. This helps everything melt more evenly.
Don’t skimp on the mayo: A generous, even layer is what creates that beautiful golden crust. Spread it all the way to the edges.
Keep the heat medium: If your skillet is too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese melts. Medium to medium-high is the sweet spot.
Use two spatulas for flipping: This Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is large and a little unwieldy. Having a spatula on each end makes the flip much smoother and prevents it from falling apart.
Let it rest before slicing: Give the sandwich a minute or two on the cutting board before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes cleaner cuts.
FAQ
Can you eat Hawaiian rolls without heating them up?
Yes, Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese are delicious straight from the package. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches even without toasting. However, heating them brings out their flavor and creates a wonderful texture, especially when you’re making a grilled cheese like this one.
How long do Hawaiian rolls take to cook?
When making this Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese on the stovetop, each side takes about 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat. If you’re baking Hawaiian rolls in the oven for other Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese, they typically need 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F, depending on what you’re making.
How long should I toast Hawaiian rolls in the oven?
For a sheet pan Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese variation, bake at 350°F for about 12 to 15 minutes total. You’ll want to flip halfway through or broil the top for the last 2 minutes to get both sides golden and crispy.
How long should I wait to flip my grilled cheese?
Wait until the bottom is golden brown and crispy before flipping, usually 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to look set and you can slide a spatula underneath easily. Flipping too early can cause the Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese to fall apart, so patience is key.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese
This golden, press grilled Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese is warm, melty, and made for pulling apart around the table.
Ingredients
Method
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Slice through the entire slab of rolls horizontally to separate the top and bottom in one clean cut.
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Invert both halves of the rolls so the crust sides face inward and the soft sides face outward.
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Lay the ham evenly across the bottom half, distributing it to the edges for consistent bites.
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Arrange the provolone slices over the ham, covering the surface evenly.
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Scatter the seasoned salt and dried onion across the cheese layer.
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Set the remaining half of the rolls on top, aligning the edges carefully.
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Coat the exposed top surface with a generous, even layer of mayonnaise.
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Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high until hot.
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Carefully transfer the sandwich to the skillet with the mayonnaise-coated side facing down.
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Spread mayonnaise across the top-facing side while the first side cooks.
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Cover the pan and allow the bottom to toast until deeply golden while the filling warms.
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Flip the sandwich carefully, using two spatulas for support.
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Cover again and cook until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
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Move the sandwich to a serving platter and cut into portions before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
This recipe is meant to be shared, sliced, and enjoyed hot from the pan. The inside-out method creates extra crisp edges while keeping the center soft and melty.
