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Pull-Apart Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese Sliders

Hawaiian roll grilled cheese sliders - featured image

Golden, buttery Hawaiian rolls filled with gooey cheese and brushed with garlicky butter, baked until crisp and melty. Served with a creamy tomato dip, these sliders are the ultimate easy party appetizer and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, or Swiss cheese)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano and basil)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or strained tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or whole milk)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or line with parchment.
  2. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Keep the rolls connected.
  3. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
  4. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère (if using) over the bottom layer. Press gently to help the cheese stick. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  5. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
  6. In a small saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Italian herbs and a pinch of salt if desired.
  7. Brush or spoon the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls. Reserve a tablespoon for after baking if desired. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the pan loosely with foil (tent it). Bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 8-10 minutes, until tops are golden and cheese is bubbling. If tops brown too fast, re-cover with foil.
  9. While sliders bake, make the creamy tomato dip: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan. Add tomato sauce, cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Simmer over low heat, stirring, for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  10. Let sliders cool for 5 minutes. Brush with reserved garlic butter if desired. Use a spatula to gently separate and pull apart each slider. Serve warm with creamy tomato dip.

Notes

Let sliders rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier handling and to set the cheese. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, use appropriate substitutes. Don’t overstuff with cheese to avoid messy sliders. If making ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Sliders can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

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