Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Rolls

These cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls bring together soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls with a luscious garlic butter blend and gooey melted cheeses. Each roll packs a stretchy mozzarella surprise inside and is topped with a golden layer of mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for snack time or crowd-pleasing at gatherings, they come together quickly and always impress with their rich, comforting flavors.

I first made these rolls for a family gathering and they vanished faster than anything else I brought. Now they are my secret weapon when I want an easy crowd-pleaser without fussing in the kitchen for hours.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls: which offer a tender, slightly sweet base choose fresh and soft rolls for best results
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for a classic gooey texture that everyone loves
• Mozzarella string cheese sticks: create a stretchy, cheesy surprise inside each roll
• Butter: melted to soak into the bread and crisp the tops with rich flavor
• Minced garlic: provides that punchy aromatic kick that infuses every bite
• Dried parsley: adds a touch of herbaceous freshness and color choose bright green and fresh-smelling for best effect
• Shredded parmesan cheese: contributes sharp, nutty richness that perfectly complements the mozzarella

Instructions

Set the Oven Temperature:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Position your oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking. This high temperature helps the cheese bubble up, melt thoroughly, and turn beautifully golden while warming the rolls through.

Prepare the Rolls:

Grease a baking dish and place the twelve rolls close together so they slightly touch. With a sharp knife, carefully cut two slits into the top of each roll but do not slice through the bottom. Creating pockets in the bread allows the string cheese to tuck inside without spilling.

Add the Cheese:

Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick into four equal parts. Insert one piece into each slit in the rolls. This hidden cheese melts into a wonderfully gooey and stretchy surprise once baked.

Mix the Butter Garlic Sauce:

In a small bowl combine melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir everything thoroughly to blend flavors evenly. The mix will soak into the bread and provide a crispy, flavorful crust on top.

Coat the Rolls and Add Topping:

Coat the tops of the rolls generously with the butter garlic mixture using a pastry brush or spoon. Then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over all the rolls to create a melty, golden crust once baked.

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for about ten to twelve minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid burning while achieving the perfect golden finish.

One of my fondest memories is watching the kids sneak these rolls before dinner even started during holiday meals because they were just that irresistible

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh, reheat in the oven or toaster oven to revive the crisp cheesy surface. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the rolls soggy instead of crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls, soft dinner rolls or brioche buns make great alternatives with a similar softness and slight sweetness. You can swap shredded mozzarella for provolone or fontina to vary the flavor profile. Replace dried parsley with fresh parsley for a brighter herb flavor if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are fantastic alongside classic soups like tomato bisque or chicken noodle. They also work wonderfully as finger food paired with fresh salads or as a tasty side to barbecue dishes like pulled pork or grilled chicken.

These cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls have become an easy go-to whenever I want to impress friends or family with minimal effort. Assembling and refrigerating before baking makes hosting even easier.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheese works best for these rolls?

Mozzarella combined with parmesan offers the ideal gooey melt and savory flavor balance.

→ Can these rolls be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assembling the rolls in advance and refrigerating before baking is convenient and saves time.

→ What is the recommended baking temperature?

Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the rolls brown evenly.

→ How do I keep the rolls moist during baking?

Brushing them generously with a garlic butter mixture before baking helps maintain moisture and flavor.

→ Are substitutions for herbs possible?

Dried parsley is ideal, but oregano or basil can be used to vary the herbaceous notes.