These Hawaiian roll roast beef and cheese sandwiches are a delightful combination of savory and sweet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, they are easy to make and sure to please everyone. The buttery, mustard-poppy seed topping adds a deliciously unique twist to these mini sandwiches.
Hawaiian rolls, with their slightly sweet flavor, are the star of this recipe and might not be a staple in every household. You can find them in the bread aisle of most supermarkets. Poppy seeds, used in the buttery topping, may also be less common but are usually available in the spice section.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches
Hawaiian rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that form the base of the sandwiches.
Roast beef: Thinly sliced, savory beef that adds a hearty element.
Cheese: Your choice of cheese, which melts beautifully over the roast beef.
Butter: Melted to create a rich, flavorful topping.
Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the butter mixture.
Poppy seeds: Provide a subtle crunch and visual appeal to the topping.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When layering the roast beef and cheese on the Hawaiian rolls, make sure to distribute them evenly to ensure each sandwich gets a balanced flavor. Additionally, for a more flavorful experience, consider toasting the bottom halves of the rolls lightly before adding the roast beef and cheese. This will add a slight crunch and prevent the rolls from becoming too soggy during baking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
hawaiian rolls - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns have a similar sweetness and soft texture, making them a good alternative to Hawaiian rolls.
sliced roast beef - Substitute with sliced turkey: Sliced turkey provides a leaner option with a similar texture and can easily be used in place of roast beef.
your choice cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich.
melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a rich flavor and helping to keep the bread moist.
mustard - Substitute with honey mustard: Honey mustard adds a touch of sweetness while still providing the tangy flavor of regular mustard.
poppy seeds - Substitute with sesame seeds: Sesame seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a suitable replacement for poppy seeds.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store / Freeze These Sandwiches
- Allow the Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from making the bread soggy.
- Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain freshness and prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.
- Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps the roast beef and cheese fresh.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
- When ready to eat, thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm. This brings back the original texture and flavor.
- Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a quicker option. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap the leftover Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the roast beef is heated through.
- For a crispier top, unwrap the sandwiches for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Microwave Method:
- Place the sandwiches on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the bread from becoming too hard.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the cheese is melted and the roast beef is warm.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sandwiches on a baking tray.
- Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the roast beef is heated through.
- For an extra crispy top, you can broil the sandwiches for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Stovetop Method:
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly butter the outside of the Hawaiian rolls.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt.
- Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the roast beef is heated through.
- Be careful not to burn the bread; adjust the heat as necessary.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the sandwiches at the specified temperature to ensure they are heated through and the tops are golden brown.
Baking dish: Holds the assembled sandwiches securely while they bake in the oven.
Knife: Used to slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the Hawaiian rolls.
Small bowl: Used to mix the melted butter, mustard, and poppy seeds together.
Measuring cup: Measures the ¼ cup of melted butter accurately.
Measuring spoon: Measures the 1 tablespoon of mustard and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds accurately.
Aluminum foil: Covers the baking dish to ensure the sandwiches heat evenly without over-browning.
Pastry brush: Helps to evenly distribute the butter mixture over the top of the sandwiches.
Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the oven.
Spatula: Assists in serving the sandwiches once they are baked and slightly cooled.
How to Save Time on Making These Sandwiches
Pre-slice the rolls: Save time by slicing the hawaiian rolls in half horizontally before starting the assembly process.
Use pre-sliced cheese: Opt for pre-sliced cheese to avoid the hassle of slicing and ensure uniformity.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to reduce waiting time.
Assemble in batches: Layer the roast beef and cheese on multiple rolls at once to speed up the assembly.
Mix butter sauce ahead: Prepare the butter, mustard, and poppy seed mixture in advance and store it in the fridge.

Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces Hawaiian Rolls
- 1 lb Roast Beef sliced
- 12 slices Cheese your choice
- ¼ cup Butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer the roast beef and cheese on the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese and roast beef.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, mustard, and poppy seeds. Pour this mixture evenly over the sandwiches.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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