Garlic Butter Hawaiian Rolls

Nothing brings people together like these garlic butter stuffed Hawaiian rolls They are loaded with gooey cheese tucked inside sweet pillowy bread all smothered with fragrant melted butter and perfectly crisped in the oven This is the snack I turn to for game days birthday parties or cozy weeknight treats because it vanishes fast and always gets rave reviews

The combination of warm cheese and aromatic garlic butter is irresistible My family loves to pull apart these rolls fresh from the oven and there are never any leftovers

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: These add a subtle sweetness and ultra soft texture Look for ones that stay fluffy and fresh
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Excellent for melty pull apart goodness Use block cheese for best melt and a milky rich flavor
• Unsalted butter: This is your base for the garlic butter Use high quality for the richest finish
• Fresh garlic: Minced finely for maximum pop and aroma Choose plump firm cloves
• Fresh parsley: Brightens everything and adds color Choose vibrant bunches with no wilting
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance the sweetness and richness
• Italian seasoning: Optional but gives depth and that classic pizzeria edge Pick a blend with oregano for extra punch
• Parmesan cheese: Optional but adds nutty savory crust Pick real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan:

Get your oven heated up to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Place parchment paper on your baking sheet or grease it lightly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy

Slice the Rolls:

Take the whole sheet of rolls do not pull them apart Use a long serrated knife to gently slice the rolls in half horizontally Aim for an even cut so the layers stay together

Layer the Cheese:

Set the bottom half of the rolls on your sheet Cover evenly with all the shredded mozzarella Take care to sprinkle right to the edges for even melt in every bite

Replace the Top:

Set the top half of the rolls back on and slightly press so the cheese nestles in and the bread lines up

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl stir together the melted butter minced garlic chopped parsley salt pepper and Italian seasoning if you like Mix until everything is evenly distributed so every brush stroke will be flavorful

Brush the Rolls:

Use a pastry brush to lavish the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls Get into every crevice and along the sides for extra flavor If you want an extra cheesy finish scatter Parmesan over now

Bake Covered:

Cover the rolls loosely with foil to keep in moisture Bake for about ten minutes until the cheese is beginning to melt inside

Bake Uncovered:

Remove the foil then bake another five minutes or until the tops look golden brown and crisp and you see the cheese bubbling

Cool and Serve:

Take the rolls out let them sit for a couple of minutes to firm up slightly Then slice into individual pieces and serve while warm and gooey

Save

These rolls are all about the cheese for me I remember my kids laughing as the cheese stretched and melted with every pull apart These rolls started as a rainy day experiment but turned into a holiday tradition everyone looks forward to

Storage tips

Let rolls cool to room temperature then wrap tightly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator They stay gooey and fresh for up to two days To reheat simply cover with foil and warm in a low oven or use an air fryer for quick crisping

Ingredient substitutions

Try using provolone cheddar or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile You can swap parsley for fresh basil or cilantro when you want a change If you like some heat scatter red pepper flakes into the garlic butter

Serving suggestions

These rolls shine on their own but also work beautifully alongside tomato soup chili pasta or as an appetizer for potlucks Serve with extra marinara sauce or ranch dip on the side for more fun

Save

Enjoy the warm cheese pulls and buttery aroma These rolls are sure to disappear quickly at your next gathering

Recipe FAQ

→ How do you keep Hawaiian rolls soft while baking?

Covering the rolls loosely with foil helps retain moisture, preventing them from drying out while the cheese melts.

→ Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes, provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend work well and add unique flavors to the rolls.

→ What herbs make the garlic butter extra tasty?

Fresh parsley and Italian seasoning enhance aroma; you may also add basil or oregano for more depth.

→ Is there a meaty variation for these rolls?

Crumbled bacon or pepperoni can be added before baking to give a savory, hearty boost.

→ Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as you use vegetarian cheeses, these rolls make a delicious vegetarian-friendly snack.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve softness.