Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread

Sweet Hawaiian rolls transform into the ultimate shareable garlic bread in this easy recipe. Buttery garlic flavor soaks into every roll and gooey cheese blankets the middle, making it a crowd-pleasing side for any meal. These rolls always disappear fast at gatherings since they are soft and cheesy with a hint of sweetness.

The first time I made this garlic bread for a family movie night, my tray was gone before the opening credits were done. Now it is our favorite cozy snack to pair with soup or pasta nights.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: Give a slightly sweet base that balances the savory topping — Look for soft and fluffy texture
• Salted butter: Adds rich moisture for soaking into the rolls — Choose high quality butter for best flavor
• Fresh garlic: Infuses deep savory aroma and taste — Pick firm plump cloves for strong flavor
• Parsley: Gives freshness and a pop of color — Fresh is best but dried works fine in a pinch
• Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor throughout the bread — Choose a powder with no extra fillers
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides melting stretch and cheesy layers — Shred your own for best melt
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and crisp golden topping — Use real Parmesan not pre-grated shreds

How to Make It

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Place a piece of foil or parchment paper on a baking sheet to make cleanup easy and to keep the rolls from sticking.

Slice the Rolls:

With a large serrated knife, carefully cut straight across the middle of the entire pack of rolls. Do not pull them apart so they stay connected as one slab. You want a top and bottom layer like making a big sandwich.

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted salted butter, finely minced garlic, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Stir well to distribute the garlic and herbs evenly through the butter.

Layer the Rolls:

Place only the bottom slab of rolls onto the prepared baking sheet with the cut side up. Brush about half of the garlic butter mixture generously over the entire cut surface so that every corner gets flavor.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered rolls. Top with grated Parmesan for extra salty bite. The cheese should cover all edges for perfect gooeyness.

Finish Assembly:

Set the top layer of rolls back onto the cheesy bottom slab. Line up the edges so they match up perfectly. Brush the rest of the garlic butter all over the tops of the rolls covering their surface completely.

Cover and Bake:

Tear a piece of foil large enough to cover the rolls. Loosely drape it over the entire bread to prevent over browning. Bake in the oven for fifteen minutes.

Uncover and Brown:

Remove the foil and place the baking sheet back in the oven. Let the rolls bake five minutes more. This gives the cheese time to melt and the tops will turn golden and crisp.

Cool and Serve:

Take the bread from the oven and let it cool for at least five minutes. This helps the cheese set up so the layers do not fall apart when you pull them apart. Serve warm and enjoy each buttery cheesy bite.

My favorite part of this recipe is freshly chopped garlic melting into the butter. Every time I make these rolls for my niece she gives me a huge hug before even taking a bite. It has become our delicious tradition.

Flavor Boosters

Warm your butter slightly for easier mixing. Grate your cheese fresh for the creamiest melt. Scoop leftover garlic butter onto veggies or potatoes for more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic bread is perfect alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy soups. Set it out for game day as a cheesy pull-apart snack. Make sliders by adding thin slices of ham or turkey inside before baking.

Creative Twists

Try swapping in cheddar or provolone for the mozzarella. Add fresh basil or chives with parsley for a herby kick. To freeze, assemble the rolls and wrap well before placing in the freezer, then bake from frozen with extra baking time.

These rolls always bring people together. Baking them for any occasion guarantees happy faces and empty trays.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, unsalted butter works well. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the garlic butter flavor.

→ What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?

Cheddar, provolone, or a mild Italian blend are delicious alternatives for mozzarella.

→ Do I need fresh parsley or is dried okay?

Dried parsley works in a pinch, but fresh parsley offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

→ Can I prepare Hawaiian roll garlic bread ahead of time?

You can assemble the rolls in advance, then bake just before serving to keep them soft and fresh.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven to restore the golden, melty topping.