Cheesy Garlic Hawaiian Rolls

These Cheesy Garlic Hawaiian Rolls have saved so many last minute dinners at my house and there is nothing quite like pulling these gooey buttery rolls straight from the oven and setting them out for eager hands to grab. They start with soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls that get stuffed with loads of melty Mozzarella then brushed all over with Parmesan garlic butter. They come out bubbly and golden and are always the first thing gone when I serve them alongside soup pasta or on party trays.

The first time I made these it was because I had a bag of rolls left after a barbecue and only a half hour before guests arrived. Now I never let a holiday or game day go by without whipping up a double batch because everyone ends up asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls: The classic sweet soft roll that is ideal for stuffing and baking Look for their signature orange package and check for freshness by gently pressing to feel for softness
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese: Delivers creaminess and that perfect cheese pull Opt for whole milk Mozzarella for richer melt
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the rolls Use high quality butter for best flavor
• Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of color and a hint of freshness Pick bright green crisp sprigs for maximum aroma
• Garlic salt: Delivers a punch of garlicky flavor with perfectly balanced seasoning
• Fresh garlic: Boosts the garlic aroma and adds sharpness Choose firm plump cloves for best results
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory nutty depth Grate it yourself right before using for the best texture and taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with a coat of nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the rolls

Arrange the Rolls:

Place the King’s Hawaiian Rolls right into the prepared pan arranging them three across and four down to fit snugly together

Stuff with Mozzarella:

Cut two inch deep slits into each roll These pockets should be big enough to tuck in plenty of shredded Mozzarella Stuff each slit generously making sure the cheese sits deep inside so every bite is extra gooey

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl combine melted butter chopped parsley garlic salt minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the butter is fragrant with garlic

Brush and Top the Rolls:

Use a brush or spoon to coat every roll and all the stuffed cheese with the butter mixture Make sure to get the mixture into the cracks and across the tops so it melts into every crevice

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Set the pan into a four hundred degree oven and bake for twelve to fourteen minutes The tops should turn golden brown and the cheese will bubble up along the sides

Rest and Serve:

Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to sit for five minutes before serving This helps the cheese set just enough for easy pulling and keeps fingers from burning

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My personal favorite ingredient is the freshly grated Parmesan because it creates that perfect savory crust on top and it reminds me of childhood pizza nights The best family memories always seem to form when we reach for warm cheesy bread together laughing over an almost empty pan

Storage Tips

These rolls are best right out of the oven but leftovers can be wrapped up and stored in the fridge for up to three days For reheating pop them in a low oven until warm to restore melty cheese texture Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls chewy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find King’s Hawaiian Rolls try using any soft pull apart dinner roll with a touch of sweetness For cheese lovers you can swap half of the Mozzarella with Monterey Jack fontina or even sharp cheddar For a bolder garlic kick increase the amount of minced fresh garlic in the butter

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Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Garlic Hawaiian Rolls make a dreamy side for tomato soup pasta bakes and hearty salads They are also fantastic as a party snack especially with a bowl of warm marinara for dipping For a brunch spread serve them beside scrambled eggs and fruit

A Bit of Context

The popularity of Hawaiian Rolls in American cooking comes from their unique sweet and fluffy profile inspired by Portuguese sweet bread These baked sliders started as a South Pacific comfort food and have now found a home at holiday tables and game day buffets adding a sweet touch to savory favorites

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cheese works best for these rolls?

Both Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for sharpness create a delicious, savory combo in each bite.

→ Can I prep these rolls in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What proteins go well with these rolls?

Crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sliced pepperoni can be added for a heartier snack or meal.

→ Do I need fresh garlic or is garlic powder okay?

Fresh minced garlic provides a bold flavor, but you can use garlic powder for convenience if needed.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven to restore gooey texture.