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Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls with Ham, Pineapple, and Cheddar Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini sandwiches
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining sweet Hawaiian rolls with a savory blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, ham, and pineapple. Perfectly buttered and grilled to golden perfection, these bite-sized sandwiches offer a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and melty cheese goodness that’s sure to delight any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup cooked ham, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup minced jalapeño
  • A pinch of garlic powder


Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Rolls: Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected to maintain the shape for easy assembly.
  2. Butter (or Mayo) Up: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter or mayonnaise across the cut side of both halves of the rolls to add flavor and help the bread brown when grilled.
  3. The Flavorful Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, well-drained crushed pineapple, and finely diced cooked ham. Stir in any optional ingredients like red onion, jalapeño, or garlic powder if desired.
  4. Assemble the Bottom Layer: Place the bottom half of the pressed rolls on a clean surface, buttered side up, and spread the cheese and pineapple mixture evenly over it to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  5. Top it Off: Place the top half of the rolls over the filling, buttered side down, gently pressing to compact the sandwich layers slightly.
  6. Slice into Minis: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the entire slab into individual mini sandwiches for easy serving and cooking.
  7. Grill Time!: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread while melting the cheese thoroughly.
  8. Cook in Batches: Place a few mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is perfectly melted.
  9. Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked mini grilled cheeses to a serving platter and repeat the process with the remaining sandwiches while still warm and melty.

Notes

  • Make sure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent soggy sandwiches.
  • Use medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
  • Optional jalapeños add a nice spicy kick, adjust quantity to your taste.
  • These mini sandwiches are best served immediately for optimal gooeyness and crispy bread.
  • Can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F) briefly if needed before serving.