Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Rolls

These cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls bring together the soft sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls and a rich, buttery garlic flavor with gooey melted cheeses. They are perfect for quick appetizers or comforting snacks, delivering a crowd-pleasing combination of textures and tastes that warm you from the inside out.

I first made these at a family gathering where they vanished before I could even sit down. Now they’re my trusted recipe whenever I want something everyone loves without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls: offering tender texture and subtle natural sweetness — choose the freshest, softest rolls you can find
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: that melts into a creamy, stretchy topping perfect for that classic cheesy pull
• Mozzarella string cheese sticks: adding a fun cheesy surprise inside the rolls for a delightful bite every time
• Butter: melted to soak into the bread and crisp the surface with rich flavor
• Minced garlic: infusing the rolls with aromatic punch and savory warmth
• Dried parsley: contributing fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green color
• Shredded parmesan cheese: bringing sharp, nutty richness to balance the mozzarella’s creaminess

Instructions

Set the Oven Temperature:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This high heat ensures the cheese melts thoroughly and turns golden while warming the rolls through evenly. Arrange your oven rack in the middle position for consistent baking.

Prepare the Rolls:

Arrange twelve King’s Hawaiian rolls in a greased baking dish close enough so they touch slightly. Use a sharp knife to make two shallow slits on the top of each roll, making sure not to cut through the bottom to create a pocket for the cheese inside.

Add the Cheese:

Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick into four equal pieces. Insert one piece into each slit on the rolls. This hidden cheese melts during baking, giving a wonderfully stretchy surprise when you bite in.

Mix the Butter Garlic Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir this mixture thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors and prepare a savory glaze.

Coat the Rolls and Add Topping:

Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of all the rolls, creating a cheesy crust that bakes to golden perfection.

Bake:

Place the dish in the oven for ten to twelve minutes. Bake until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.

One of my favorite memories with these rolls is during holiday dinners when the kids would sneak handfuls before the meal officially started because they were so irresistible.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To revive the crisp cheesy topping, warm them in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If King’s Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, soft dinner rolls or brioche buns make excellent alternatives. For the cheese, try substituting provolone or fontina for mozzarella to introduce a slightly different flavor and texture. Fresh parsley can be used in place of dried for a more vibrant herbal note.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls pair wonderfully with soups, especially tomato or chicken noodle varieties. They also work well as finger food with fresh salads or alongside barbecue dishes, balancing smoky flavors with their sweet and cheesy profile.

Serve warm so the cheese is gooey and enjoy these as a comforting appetizer or side. They’re an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What cheese works best for these rolls?

Mozzarella provides gooey meltiness while parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, creating a balanced cheesy topping.

→ Can these rolls be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble and refrigerate them before baking to save time and enjoy fresh, warm rolls later.

→ What oven temperature is recommended?

Baking at 400°F ensures even cooking and a golden, bubbly cheese crust on top.

→ How do I keep the rolls moist during baking?

Brushing the rolls with the garlic butter mixture before baking locks in moisture and infuses flavor.

→ Are substitutions allowed for herbs in the butter?

Dried parsley is suggested but oregano or basil can be used for a different herbaceous twist.