Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Rolls

This cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls recipe brings together the signature softness and subtle sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls with a rich garlic butter and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick snack or crowdpleasing appetizer, these rolls bake up golden and bubbly in just about ten minutes, making them ideal for gatherings. The surprise string cheese hidden inside makes every bite a delightful meltinyourmouth experience.

I first made these at a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than any dish I had brought. Now they have become my goto when I want something everyone loves without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian savory butter rolls: chosen fresh for their tender texture and subtle sweetness
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly for that classic gooey consistency
• Mozzarella string cheese sticks: adding a stretchy cheesy surprise inside each roll
• Butter: melted to soak flavors into the bread and help crisp the topping
• Minced garlic: infuses a fragrant punchy aroma throughout the rolls
• Dried parsley: adds herbaceous notes and a touch of color
• Shredded parmesan cheese: brings sharp, nutty richness that complements mozzarella perfectly

Instructions

Set the Oven Temperature:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Position the rack in the middle for even heat distribution. The high temperature ensures the cheese melts beautifully and turns golden while warming the rolls through.

Prepare the Rolls:

Place twelve King’s Hawaiian rolls in a greased baking dish so they are touching slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut two slits on top of each roll carefully without cutting through the bottom to create pockets for the string cheese.

Add the Cheese:

Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick into four equal pieces. Insert one piece into each slit in the rolls. This hidden cheese gives a fun, stretchy surprise when you bite in.

Mix the Butter Garlic Sauce:

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

Coat the Rolls and Add Topping:

Generously brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over all the tops to create a cheesy crust.

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn a light golden brown. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning.

One of my favorite memories is serving these at holiday dinners where the kids sneaked rolls before the meal even started. They were so popular that no one wanted to share.

Storage Tips

Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to revive the crisp cheesy topping. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the rolls soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If King’s Hawaiian rolls are not available, soft dinner rolls or brioche buns work well as alternatives. For cheese variations, provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella for a different flavor. Fresh parsley can be used in place of dried for a brighter herbal note.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy garlic rolls pair exceptionally well with soups such as tomato or chicken noodle. They also make excellent finger foods for parties alongside fresh salads or barbecue dishes.

Serve the rolls warm so the cheese stretches and the topping stays crisp. Enjoy as an appetizer or alongside your favorite soup.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cheese works best for these rolls?

A combination of mozzarella and parmesan melts beautifully, giving a gooey, savory finish that complements the buttery bread.

→ Can I prepare the rolls in advance?

Yes, assembling and refrigerating the rolls before baking saves time and keeps flavors melded for later baking.

→ What oven temperature ensures perfect baking?

Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for evenly baked rolls with a golden, bubbly cheesy top.

→ How do I keep the rolls moist during baking?

Brushing them generously with the garlic butter sauce helps maintain moisture and adds rich flavor.

→ Can I swap parsley with other herbs in the butter mixture?

Yes, oregano or basil can replace dried parsley for different herb notes while maintaining a savory profile.