You know those moments when you need a crowd-pleasing snack in a hurry? That’s exactly when my Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders swoop in to save the day! I first made these golden, garlicky bites for my nephew’s birthday party when I realized (oops!) I’d forgotten to prep an appetizer. Twenty minutes later, the tray was empty and I had recipe requests from half the guests. Now these mini grilled cheese pull-aparts are my go-to for game nights, potlucks, and those “I need something delicious NOW” cravings.
The magic happens when sweet Hawaiian rolls meet a double dose of melty cheddar and mozzarella, all brushed with garlic butter that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. What makes these sliders special? They’re ridiculously easy (we’re talking 4 main ingredients), bake in just 12 minutes, and disappear even faster. Trust me, once you try these warm, cheesy bites, you’ll understand why I always double the batch!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Let me count the ways these little wonders will steal your heart (and your appetite!):
- 15-minute magic: From fridge to table faster than ordering takeout
- Party MVP: I’ve never brought these to a gathering without someone begging for the recipe
- Pantry-friendly: Just 4 main ingredients you probably have right now
- That garlic butter crust: The golden, crispy top gives way to the ooziest cheese pull
- Kid-approved: My picky niece calls them “cheese clouds” and inhales three at a time
Seriously – these sliders are the edible equivalent of a warm hug. Wait till you see how fast they disappear!
Ingredients for Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these cheesy wonders. But trust me, the quality matters! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 pack Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count, connected) – Don’t separate them! We’re keeping them together for that perfect pull-apart magic
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (packed) – I prefer sharp cheddar for that extra flavor punch
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (packed) – The stretchy, melty star of the show
- 2 tbsp melted butter (unsalted) – Melt it just until liquid, not bubbling hot
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic burns too easily
- 1 tsp dried parsley – For that pretty green speckle effect
- Optional: A pinch of salt or red pepper flakes if you like things spicy
Pro tip: Buy block cheese and shred it yourself – it melts SO much better than pre-shredded! And yes, I’ve tested this theory many (many) times.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need fancy gadgets for these sliders – just a few basics from your kitchen:
- Baking sheet – A standard quarter sheet pan works perfectly
- Pastry brush – For that glorious garlic butter coating
- Sharp knife – To slice through the rolls without squishing them
That’s it! Now let’s get to the fun part – making cheesy magic happen.
How to Make Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Okay, let’s dive into the good stuff! Making these sliders is seriously foolproof – I’ve taught my 10-year-old niece to make them (though she eats half the cheese before it makes it to the rolls). Follow these simple steps for golden, gooey perfection every time.
Preparing the Rolls
First, keep those sweet rolls connected! Place the whole pack on your cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife (this is key!), gently slice horizontally through the middle – like you’re making one giant sandwich. Go slow to avoid squishing them. Pro tip: Leave a tiny “hinge” at one end if you’re nervous about separating the halves completely.
Layering the Cheeses
Now for the cheesy magic! Sprinkle that cheddar evenly over the bottom half – I like to go slightly heavier around the edges where cheese tends to disappear first. Then pile on the mozzarella, making little cheese mountains in each roll indentation. Gently place the top half back on and press down lightly – just enough to help the cheeses get acquainted.
Applying the Garlic Butter
Here’s where the flavor really pops! Mix your melted butter with garlic powder and parsley until it looks like liquid gold. Using a pastry brush, coat every inch of those roll tops – get into the nooks and crannies! The butter will soak in and create that irresistible crispy crust. (I may or may not lick the brush after…)
Baking to Perfection
Pop your creation into a 375°F (190°C) preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a deep golden brown and you see cheese peeking out the sides, bubbling happily. Watch closely after 8 minutes – ovens vary, and we want melty, not burnt! Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving (if you can resist).
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
After making these sliders more times than I can count (okay fine, I counted – 37 batches last year alone), I’ve learned all the tricks for absolute perfection:
- Room temp cheese is key: Take your shredded cheese out 30 minutes before baking – it melts so much more evenly than straight-from-the-fridge cold cheese.
- Watch like a hawk: Set a timer for 8 minutes, then babysit those last 2 minutes. The difference between golden perfection and overdone is about 90 seconds!
- Serve immediately: These beauties are at their peak when the cheese is still stretchy and the bottoms are slightly crisp. Waiting turns them from “wow” to “meh.”
- Slice with care: Use a pizza wheel or very sharp knife to cut between rolls – pressing down squishes out all that precious melted cheese!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have people begging you to bring these to every gathering. (Fair warning: You may become known as “the slider person” forever!)
Variations for Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try these fun twists that keep things exciting:
- Ham & Swiss: Tuck thin deli ham slices under the cheese and swap mozzarella for Swiss – my brother’s favorite combo!
- Spicy kick: Add pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes between cheese layers for heat lovers.
- Italian style: Mix in some pepperoni slices and swap the parsley for Italian seasoning – tastes like pizza in bite form!
- Breakfast sliders: Layer cooked bacon and scrambled eggs with the cheese for a morning treat (yes, I’ve eaten these at 7 AM).
- Three-cheese bliss: Add a layer of cream cheese spread on the bottom half before the shredded cheeses – extra creamy goodness!
The possibilities are endless – these sliders are like a blank canvas for your cheesy dreams!
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders shine brightest when served piping hot – that’s when you get those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls! I love pairing them with marinara for dipping (like mini grilled cheeses) or cool ranch dressing to balance the richness. They’re also amazing alongside tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo. Pro tip: Keep them whole on a platter and let guests pull apart their own sliders – half the fun is watching everyone’s reactions when that first cheesy bite stretches!
Storing and Reheating Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Okay, let’s be real – these sliders are best fresh, but if you somehow have leftovers (miracle!), here’s how to keep them tasty. Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for 2-3 days max. When reheating, skip the microwave unless you want soggy bread – trust me, I learned the hard way! Instead, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese gets melty again. Pro tip: Brush with a little fresh garlic butter before reheating to revive that crispy top!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist (as evidenced by my cheese obsession!), but here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in each glorious slider. Remember, these are estimates – your actual counts might vary depending on cheese brands and how generously you apply that garlic butter (no judgment here!).
- Calories: About 250 per slider
- Fat: 12g (7g saturated – hello, delicious cheese!)
- Carbs: 25g (those sweet Hawaiian rolls do their thing)
- Protein: 9g (cheese power!)
- Sugar: 8g (mostly from the rolls)
I always say one slider equals zero calories if you eat it fast enough – but don’t quote me on that!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different rolls? Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls give that perfect sweet contrast, you can use any soft dinner rolls. Just keep them connected – that pull-apart magic is key. Brioche works great too!
Can I make these ahead? You bet! Assemble the sliders (without butter topping) up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then brush with garlic butter right before baking. The cheese might take an extra minute to melt.
How do I prevent sogginess? Two secrets: 1) Don’t overdo the butter – just a thin, even coat. 2) Let them rest 2 minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly. This keeps those bottoms crisp!
Can I freeze them? Honestly? I don’t recommend it. The texture changes too much. These garlic butter cheese sliders are best fresh – but they disappear so fast, freezing shouldn’t be an issue!
What’s the best cheese blend? My mozzarella-cheddar combo gives perfect melt and flavor, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, provolone, or even gouda work beautifully in these oven-baked cheese rolls.
PrintIrresistible Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders Ready in 15 Minutes
Mini grilled cheese Hawaiian rolls with cheddar and mozzarella, baked to golden perfection for a quick and delicious snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pack Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count, connected)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Optional: pinch of salt or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping rolls connected. Layer the bottom half with cheddar and mozzarella.
- Place the top half back on, pressing gently to seal.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush it over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly, then pull apart into individual bites and serve hot.
Notes
- Best served fresh for maximum gooey cheese texture.
- Adjust cheese quantities to preference.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg