If you’re craving a warm, melty, and utterly irresistible treat, the Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines the fluffy sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with the rich flavors of garlic butter and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to take a bite—whether you’re serving it up for a casual get-together or just treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this phenomenal bread that’s brimming with flavor, texture, and a pop of color. Each element plays a crucial role in turning these rolls from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This is the luscious base for your garlic butter spread, adding richness and helping flavors meld perfectly.
- Grated parmesan (2 Tablespoons): Parmesan brings a subtle nutty sharpness that elevates the cheesy topping effortlessly.
- Fresh garlic cloves (2, minced): Freshly minced garlic guarantees that punch of aromatic garlicky goodness that makes this recipe so crave-worthy.
- Fresh parsley (1 Tablespoon): Adds a fresh, green note that brightens the butter mixture, but dried parsley works if fresh isn’t handy.
- Garlic salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the garlicky flavor while seasoning the rolls perfectly without overpowering them.
- Hawaiian rolls (12): The star of the dish, these rolls offer a tender crumb with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Creamy and meltable, the mozzarella is what gives this garlic bread its gooey, stretchy, can’t-get-enough texture.
How to Make Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by cranking your oven up to 400° F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. The parchment keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—little things that really brighten the cooking experience!
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, and garlic salt. Blend it all until smooth and fragrant. This mixture is your magic potion that brings every bite to life with savory, buttery goodness.
Step 3: Arrange the Hawaiian Rolls
Place the 12 Hawaiian rolls onto your prepared baking sheet in neat rows. These soft, sweet rolls are the perfect vehicle for all that cheesy garlic flavor about to come their way.
Step 4: Slice the Rolls to Hold the Cheese
Carefully make two slits down the center of each row of rolls—just enough to open a pocket but don’t slice through the bottom. This little trick creates nooks for the cheese to melt into and stay nestled inside.
Step 5: Stuff with Mozzarella
Stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese into the cuts you made. Don’t stress about perfection; just pack as much as you can. When this cheese melts, it will ooze out in the most delectable way.
Step 6: Spread the Garlic Butter Mixture
Slather the garlic butter evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure every last bite will be bursting with flavor and golden crispness.
Step 7: Bake Until Melty and Golden
Bake the rolls uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them so the cheese in the middle melts thoroughly—this is the moment when the kitchen starts smelling like heaven.
How to Serve Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley right out of the oven adds a lovely touch of color and freshness that balances the richness perfectly. For a little kick, a light dusting of red pepper flakes can add some delightful warmth.
Side Dishes
This cheesy garlic bread is such a versatile side that it pairs beautifully with hearty soups, zesty pasta dishes, or even a fresh crisp salad. It’s your go-to for elevating any meal from everyday to memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of marinara or ranch dipping sauce for a fun, shareable appetizer vibe. You can also slice them into individual portions for easy grab-and-go snacking during parties or game nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread Recipe can be placed in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil to maintain freshness. Stored properly, they’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 2 days.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance or save leftovers for later, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They hold up well in the freezer for about a month, perfect for a quick indulgence anytime.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat the rolls in a 350° F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bread is warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that crisp, golden top intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that stretchy texture, feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites to create a unique twist on this garlic bread.
Is it okay to use frozen Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature before assembling and baking. This helps ensure even melting of cheese and proper baking of the bread.
Can I add extra toppings like bacon or herbs?
Definitely! Crispy bacon bits, chives, or even a sprinkle of oregano can add wonderful layers of flavor and make this recipe even more special.
How do I prevent the garlic butter from soaking the rolls too much?
Spreading the garlic butter evenly and not too thickly helps, as does baking the rolls uncovered so moisture can evaporate a bit, keeping the bread soft but not soggy.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray as an alternative. Just be mindful that cleanup might be a touch more involved.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about pulling warm, cheesy, garlicky Hawaiian rolls out of the oven, and this Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread Recipe captures that joy perfectly. It’s quick to throw together, packed with irresistible flavors, and the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds. I can’t wait for you to make it and watch it become a beloved classic at your table.
PrintCheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread Recipe
This Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread recipe combines soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with a savory garlic butter spread and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that takes just 15 minutes to prepare and bake, making it perfect for gatherings or a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (freshly minced is best)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley (can use dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Main
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F and line a 9×13-inch baking sheet or dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, grated parmesan, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and garlic salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Set aside.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the 12 Hawaiian rolls on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully make two slits down the center of each row of rolls, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. This creates pockets for the cheese without cutting the rolls into separate pieces.
- Stuff with Cheese: Stuff each slit and the space between the rolls with shredded mozzarella cheese, pushing it down as much as possible to ensure every bite is cheesy.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture all over the top of the stuffed rolls, covering every exposed surface for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Bake the rolls uncovered in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops turn golden brown. Check the center to ensure the cheese is melted through, as oven times may vary.
Notes
- Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor in the garlic butter mixture.
- Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the rolls when making the slits to keep the rolls intact.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the garlic cloves to three.
- Use parchment paper or foil on the baking dish for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- These garlic rolls are best enjoyed warm out of the oven but can be reheated gently maintaining their softness.
