Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
These Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls are a delicious twist on classic Hawaiian rolls, filled with pepperoni and melted string cheese, brushed with garlic butter and topped with Parmesan. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack, they bake up golden and gooey with a flavorful crust and a cheesy, pepperoni-stuffed center. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy a fun and crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12 rolls per pack)
- 12-24 slices deli pepperoni (1-2 per roll, adjust to preference)
- 6 string cheese sticks, cut in half (or shredded mozzarella)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or dried parsley)
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Slice the Rolls: Place the entire pack of King’s Hawaiian Rolls on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them connected as a block. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit into the top of each roll, slicing through all layers but stopping about two-thirds of the way down. This creates a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff the Rolls: Insert 1-2 slices of deli pepperoni and half of a string cheese stick into each slit. Press gently to keep the fillings secure inside each roll.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted salted butter, minced garlic cloves, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and finely chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Brush Rolls with Butter Mix: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, making sure to get some inside the slits as well to infuse flavor throughout.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of all the rolls for a flavorful crust and added richness.
- Bake Covered: Cover the rolls loosely with aluminum foil and bake on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese inside melts thoroughly.
- Brown the Tops: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Final Cheese Melt (if needed): If the cheese has not melted to your liking, recover with foil and bake for a few more minutes to melt without over-browning.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm alongside marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your cheesy, savory snack!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pepperoni per roll based on your preference for spiciness and filling.
- String cheese can be substituted with shredded mozzarella for easier melting and pull-apart texture.
- Using fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor than dried, but either works well.
- If rolls brown too quickly, cover again with foil to prevent burning while cheese melts.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them soft and melty.
