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Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread

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This easy dish transforms sweet Hawaiian slider rolls into a savory showstopper. The rolls are scored and stuffed with mozzarella for gooey layers in every bite. A rich garlic butter sauce with Parmesan, parsley, and sea salt infuses each roll, while toasting in the oven brings a golden finish. Serve these cheesy, buttery rolls hot from the oven—perfect for sharing at gatherings or alongside your favorite meal.

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Updated on Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:48:10 GMT
A close-up of a delicious Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread. Pin it
A close-up of a delicious Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Sometimes all you need is a crowd-pleasing snack you can pull off in minutes this Hawaiian roll garlic bread is gooey buttery and unforgettable perfect for gatherings and lazy weeknights alike

I made these on a whim for a neighborhood potluck and they vanished in minutes now my friends always beg for the recipe when we get together

Ingredients

  • Hawaiian slider rolls: offers a gentle sweet base that balances the savoriness choose the freshest packs for pillowy softness
  • Mozzarella cheese: gives you that dreamy melty pull use whole milk mozzarella for best flavor and creaminess
  • Butter: softened for easy mixing and spreading real butter intensifies that rich taste
  • Garlic powder: deepens the savor with warm undertones choose a fine textured powder for even blending
  • Parsley: brightens the flavor and adds color fresh is lovely but dry works beautifully here too
  • Sea salt: sharpens and lifts every bite flaky types offer the best texture
  • Minced garlic: adds pungency and bite fresh is best but jarred works in a pinch just drain any excess liquid
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: bumps up the umami aged Parmesan lends more punch so splurge if you can

Instructions

Prepare the Rolls:
Nestle all the rolls together in a 9 by 13 baking dish do not split them apart Cut six long slits right across the tops just about one third deep into the bread make sure you do not slice all the way through This allows plenty of space for the cheesy filling but keeps the rolls intact and easy to pull apart when baked
Stuff with Cheese:
Take your shredded mozzarella and gently stuff generous pinches into every slit you made Make sure to push the cheese right down into the crevices so it melts evenly inside during baking
Mix and Spread the Garlic Butter:
In a microwave safe bowl melt your butter until just liquefied but not hot Stir in garlic powder parsley sea salt minced garlic and grated Parmesan Mix thoroughly until no dry patches remain Using a spoon or pastry brush smear every roll top generously with this mixture letting it drip into the slits for maximum garlic flavor in every bite
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Slide your baking dish into a preheated 400 degree oven Bake for nine to eleven minutes Watch carefully for a deep golden color on top and bubbling cheese in the slits Once you see light browning and the cheese is melted throughout pull the rolls out promptly to prevent overbaking Serve these straight from the oven for the full gooey experience
A plate of garlic bread with cheese and herbs on a wooden table. Pin it
A plate of garlic bread with cheese and herbs on a wooden table. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My daughter once tried to sneak more cheese into the slits than I thought possible and ended up creating the best batch we ever tasted

Storage Tips

Keep any extras covered in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day They stay soft Do not refrigerate unless absolutely necessary or they will dry out To rewarm just pop the rolls back in the oven loosely covered at 350 degrees for five minutes to revive the texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap cheeses try Monterey Jack for a mild twist or add a bit of sharp cheddar for zip Vegan butter can be used if dairy free and minced shallot makes a fun change from garlic experiment to match what you have on hand

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm as an appetizer before pizza night Snack on them alongside tomato soup or chili They also pair perfectly with a crisp green salad for a quick weeknight dinner spread Another favorite is setting them out as a side for barbecue chicken indoors or out

Cultural and Historical Roots

Hawaiian rolls originated in Hilo Hawaii in the 1950s bringing a uniquely soft sweet bread to the American table This garlic bread gives a nod to classic Italian flavors while fusing them with the modern party favorite that is a pack of Hawaiian rolls The result is pure comfort food nostalgia with a fun twist

A plate of cheese-stuffed bread rolls, also known as garlic bread, is displayed on a wooden platter. Pin it
A plate of cheese-stuffed bread rolls, also known as garlic bread, is displayed on a wooden platter. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These rolls are best shared hot from the oven and make every gathering feel special Save a few for yourself before they are gone

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes Hawaiian rolls unique in this dish?

Their natural sweetness balances the rich garlic butter and gooey cheese, creating a flavorful contrast.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can swap for provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar for different melt and flavor profiles.

→ How do I stuff the rolls with cheese?

Cut slits partway into each roll and press shredded cheese inside for even melting throughout.

→ Why add Parmesan cheese to the topping?

Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth that pairs well with the garlic butter and enhances the crust.

→ Can these rolls be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and store in the fridge, then bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread

Hawaiian rolls meet garlic butter, mozzarella, and herbs, creating a warm, cheesy pull-apart favorite.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
21 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread

01 12 Hawaiian slider rolls

→ Cheeses

02 240 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
03 15 grams grated Parmesan cheese

→ Butter and Seasonings

04 115 grams unsalted butter, softened
05 2 teaspoons minced garlic
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1 teaspoon dried parsley
08 0.5 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 01

Arrange the Hawaiian rolls closely together in a 23 x 33 cm baking dish.

Step 02

With a sharp serrated knife, cut six long slits across the tops of the rolls, slicing approximately one-third deep without cutting all the way through.

Step 03

Insert shredded mozzarella evenly into each slit, ensuring the cheese is distributed throughout the bread.

Step 04

Melt the softened butter and blend with minced garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, sea salt, and grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Evenly spread the flavored butter mixture across the tops of the scored rolls using a pastry brush or spatula.

Step 06

Transfer the dish to a preheated oven at 200°C and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

Step 07

Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  1. Allow the flavored butter to cool slightly after melting to prevent excessive sogginess in the rolls.

Tools You'll Need

  • 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish
  • Serrated bread knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, mozzarella, Parmesan), wheat (bread), and possible traces of gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 7 g