Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Rolls

Cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls bring together tender King’s Hawaiian bread, layers of garlicky butter, and two types of melty cheese for a fast, crowd-pleasing snack or side. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can bake up a comforting pull-apart treat that disappears even faster than you made it.

The first time I brought these rolls to a family party they vanished in minutes and I had three people texting for the recipe on the drive home. They quickly became one of my most requested contributions.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls: for their pillowy texture and gentle sweetness look for fresh bakery packs
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: for gooey melt opt for whole milk version if you can
• Mozzarella string cheese sticks: create a stretchy cheese pocket inside
• Butter: melted to soak flavors into the bread and crisp the top only use real butter
• Minced garlic: brings an aromatic bite choose plump cloves with no dark spots
• Dried parsley: for color and a hint of herb you can sub in fresh if available
• Shredded parmesan cheese: adds nutty sharpness for cheesy contrast pick a wedge and shred for the freshest flavor

Instructions

Set the Oven Temperature:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius. Use the middle rack to ensure even heat for browning the cheese.

Prepare the Rolls:

Arrange twelve rolls in a greased baking dish so they fit snugly together. With a sharp knife cut two deep slits on top of each roll without slicing all the way through. These slots will hold your string cheese so cut with care to avoid separating the roll bottoms.

Add the Cheese:

Slice each mozzarella string cheese stick into four pieces. Gently tuck a piece into each slit so every roll gets a melting cheese core that will stretch when you pull them apart.

Mix the Butter Garlic Sauce:

In a small bowl stir melted butter with minced garlic dried parsley and shredded parmesan cheese. Mix until the herbs and cheese are evenly dispersed throughout the butter.

Coat the Rolls and Add Topping:

Brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture onto the tops of the rolls letting a bit dribble into the slits. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over the rolls so it bakes into a cheesy crust.

Bake:

Bake for ten to twelve minutes or until the cheese bubbles and browns and the rolls are heated through. For perfectly golden cheese keep a close eye on the oven during the last two minutes.

One year I brought a double batch to Thanksgiving only to discover they were all gone before the main course hit the table. Watching my nieces sneak seconds was the highlight of the meal.

Storage Tips

For best flavor store leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days. To revive the cheesy top reheat in an oven at low heat for several minutes—never microwave because it softens the bread and spoils the texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Hawaiian rolls You can use other soft sweet dinner rolls or brioche buns. Try provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella to mix up the cheese profile. If you have fresh parsley chop and use it instead of dried for more vibrant color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside tomato soup for a cozy lunch or place them on a board with grilled chicken and salad. These rolls also shine as part of a game day spread or at potlucks where they will always be the first thing gone.

Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations

This recipe highlights the classic bakery roll that originated in Hawaii and became a national favorite. Around the holidays try swirling in chopped rosemary or chives for a seasonal twist. In summer top the finished rolls with fresh basil for a lighter fresh accent.

No matter the season these rolls are always a hit. You will find yourself reaching for this recipe any time you want something guaranteed to please a crowd.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What kind of cheese works best inside these rolls?

Mozzarella string cheese inside, combined with shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top, melts smoothly for gooey filling and a crisp, flavorful crust.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled in advance and chilled until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes in the oven if baking from cold.

→ What’s the ideal oven temperature?

Bake at 400°F to achieve a bubbly, golden brown top while warming the rolls through without drying them out.

→ How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Be careful when slicing the pockets—avoid cutting through the bottoms so the cheese stays neatly inside while baking.

→ Are there alternatives to King’s Hawaiian rolls?

Soft dinner rolls or brioche buns can also be used for a similar tender, slightly sweet base.