Transform ordinary dinner rolls into cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls bursting with sweet, savory island flavors!
Quick Answer: Make cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls by brushing King’s Hawaiian rolls with garlic butter, stuffing with mozzarella cheese, and baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and melty. A quick 45-minute recipe perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Hawaiian Fusion
Yield: 12 rolls (4 servings)
Dietary: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of sweet Hawaiian bread with savory garlic and gooey cheese
- Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work
- Great for parties, potlucks, or family dinners
- Budget-friendly using store-bought rolls
- Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving
Quick Benefits
These cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls combine the beloved sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with garlic butter and melted cheese for an irresistible twist on classic garlic bread. Perfect for feeding a crowd and customizable with different cheese varieties.
Ingredients
- 1 package of King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls (12 rolls)
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Mozzarella string cheese, 1 stick per two rolls
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 3 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Place a package of rolls into a greased baking dish. Cut two slits into the top of each roll, ensuring not to cut through the bottom.
- Cut mozzarella string cheese sticks into four pieces. Place one piece of cheese into each slit of the rolls.
- Combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix well.
- Use a brush to coat the rolls with the butter mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the rolls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top.
You Must Know
- Don’t separate rolls before slicing for easier assembly
- Allow butter to cool slightly before brushing to prevent soggy rolls
- Check doneness by looking for golden brown tops and melted cheese
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping
- Pair with Hawaiian-style pulled pork
- Serve alongside a green salad
- Great with pasta dishes
- Perfect game day appetizer
Creative Variations
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
- Add crispy bacon bits between cheese layers
- Incorporate diced jalapeños for heat
- Try with different herb combinations like rosemary or thyme
Cultural Notes
Hawaiian sweet rolls, created by Robert Taira in Hilo, Hawaii in the 1950s, have become a mainland sensation. This recipe combines the traditional Portuguese-inspired sweet bread with Italian garlic bread elements, creating a modern fusion dish beloved across America.
Pro Tips
- Shred your own cheese for better melting
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing
- Don’t skip the parchment paper step
- Score the top of rolls before baking for easy serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
A: Yes, but cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls get their signature taste from the sweet rolls, so the flavor will be different.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Mozzarella provides the best melt, but any good melting cheese works.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes, prep up to 4 hours ahead and bake just before serving.
Health Benefits
While these cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls are an indulgent treat, they can be made healthier by using part-skim mozzarella and reducing butter content. The garlic provides immune-boosting compounds, and portion control makes them a reasonable occasional treat.
Nutrition
(Per serving) Calories: 380 • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 12g • Fat: 22g • Sodium: 650mg
Notes
For best results, serve these rolls warm when the cheese is still melty and the garlic butter is fragrant.
Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Rolls
Transform ordinary dinner rolls into cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls bursting with sweet, savory island flavors!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, serve these rolls warm when the cheese is still melty and the garlic butter is fragrant.