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These cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls combine the sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls with savory garlic butter and gooey melted cheese for an irresistible party snack or side dish. Perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying with family, these rolls are simple to prepare yet deliver big comforting flavor every time.
Ingredients
- King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls: their tender texture and subtle sweetness make the perfect base (choose fresh, soft rolls)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that classic gooey texture
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks: adding a fun, stretchy cheese surprise inside the rolls
- Butter: melted to help soak flavors into the bread and crisp the top
- Minced garlic: infuses punchy aromatic flavor throughout
- Dried parsley: adds herbaceous notes and a bit of color
- Shredded parmesan cheese: brings a sharp, nutty richness that complements the mozzarella
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set the Oven Temperature:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This high heat helps get the cheese bubbly and golden while warming the rolls through. Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position for even baking.
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Place the twelve rolls in a greased baking dish close together so they slightly touch. Using a sharp knife, cut two slits into the top of each roll carefully without cutting through the bottom. This creates pockets for the string cheese.
- Add the Cheese:
- Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks into four equal pieces. Insert one piece into each slit you made on the rolls. This hidden cheese creates a delightful stringy surprise when you bite into them.
- Mix the Butter Garlic Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir this mixture thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Coat the Rolls and Add Topping:
- Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter garlic mixture. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of all the rolls to form a cheesy crust.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a light golden brown. Watch closely near the end to avoid burning.
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Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to revive the crisp cheesy topping. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls, soft dinner rolls or brioche buns also work. For the cheese, a mix of provolone or fontina can be swapped for mozzarella to vary the flavor. Fresh parsley can replace dried if you want a brighter herb taste.
Serving Suggestions
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These rolls are fantastic alongside soups like tomato or chicken noodle. They also make great finger food paired with fresh salads or as a side to barbecue dishes.
Pro Tips
- Make sure not to slice through the bottom of the rolls to keep the cheese from leaking out during baking
- Toast the butter and garlic lightly before mixing in parmesan for a deeper flavor (I learned this after a few tries)
- Watch the cheese closely towards the end to get that perfect golden bubbly top without burning
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best cheese to use for these rolls?
Mozzarella and parmesan blend perfectly to provide gooey meltiness and a slight savory finish.
- → Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them before baking to save time later.
- → What oven temperature is ideal for baking?
Preheating the oven to 400°F ensures the rolls bake evenly with a golden top.
- → How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Brushing with garlic butter mixture before baking keeps the rolls moist and flavorful.
- → Can I use different herbs in the butter mixture?
Yes, dried parsley is recommended, but you can substitute with oregano or basil for variation.