Garlic Butter Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls

Soft, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness, these Garlic Butter Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls always disappear fast at any party. Perfect for when you want something guaranteed to please a hungry crowd but need it to be ready in minutes. Whether you are serving them for a game day, family movie night, or a gathering with friends, people of all ages love pulling apart those golden rolls to reveal melty cheese.

I first made these for an impromptu holiday party and friends kept hovering by the kitchen just for another warm piece. Now anytime I serve them, I hear Where did you get these rolls I always have to admit they are homemade and gone in minutes.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: These rolls bring a signature soft texture and light sweetness that works perfectly with garlic and cheese Always choose rolls that are squishy with an even golden color
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic choice for stretch and melt You can use any good melting cheese such as cheddar provolone or a blend Select cheese with a fresh dairy scent and avoid those with an oily film
• Unsalted butter: Melts for a silky coating and rich flavor Choose high quality butter for the best flavor impact
• Fresh garlic: Essential for punchy flavor Mince it as fine as possible for even distribution Large cloves are usually juicier and stronger in taste
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a hint of color Flat leaf parsley is best for both flavor and aroma
• Salt and black pepper: Balances the butter and cheese Use fine salt for best mixing and freshly cracked pepper for a more lively kick
• Italian seasoning: Optional but boosts the herby aroma Italian blends with oregano and basil work great
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Another optional layer of flavor and crunch Use authentic Parmigiano Reggiano when possible for the nuttiest finish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it This step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup later

Slice the Rolls:

Without separating them use a serrated bread knife to slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally Try to keep the halves even and avoid pressing down so the rolls remain fluffy

Add the Cheese:

Place the bottom half of the rolls on the prepared baking sheet distributing them so they sit flat Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese in a thick even layer over every inch of the cut surface This ensures each bite has that satisfying cheesy pull

Replace the Tops:

Gently position the top half of the rolls back over the bottom and cheese lining up the edges

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl mix the melted butter with finely minced garlic chopped parsley salt pepper and Italian seasoning if using Stir vigorously to infuse the butter with the aromatics

Brush and Coat:

Using a pastry brush generously slather the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls Work the butter into every nook letting it drip into the divisions for maximum flavor soak

Add Parmesan:

If you love a crisp and nutty finish sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered tops Focus on the creases for extra flavor bursts

Bake with Steam:

Loosely tent the rolls with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes This keeps the rolls super soft and allows the cheese to melt without over browning

Finish Baking:

Remove the foil and continue baking another 5 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese bubbles at the edges Watch carefully to avoid burning

Serve Warm:

Take the rolls out of the oven let them cool just a couple of minutes to let the cheese set a bit Slice along the seams and serve warm for peak gooeyness

Save It

Garlic is my favorite part of this recipe There is something irresistible about real garlic mingling with melted butter and sweet bread My kids love helping brush on the butter and the smell always reminds me of bustling holidays in my childhood home

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results Microwave reheating will still work but the tops may soften Cold rolls make a tasty midnight snack too

Ingredient Substitutions

Try cheddar provolone Monterey Jack or even plant based shreds if you need a dairy free swap Vegan butter and vegan cheese give great results For a little kick add thinly sliced jalapenos before baking

Serving Suggestions

Pile these on a platter for a party simply arrange warm on a wooden board with a side of ranch or marinara for dunking They also pair beautifully with tomato soup or a crisp green salad for lunch

Cultural Context

While Hawaiian rolls come from the fusion of Portuguese and Asian baking traditions their pillowy soft sweetness is now beloved all over the US Garlic butter stuffed rolls are a modern update but nothing beats the classic comfort of this bread

Seasonal Adaptations

Try rosemary instead of parsley in winter Lemon zest mixed into the butter brightens the rolls for spring Sprinkle diced sun dried tomatoes into the cheese layer for pizzazz in summer

Success Stories

Whenever I serve these rolls friends and family rave and ask for the recipe The buttery aroma always draws everyone into the kitchen I even bring trays to bake sales and potlucks and they are always the first to vanish

Freezer Meal Conversion

Wrap the assembled unbaked rolls tight with plastic and freeze You can bake straight from the freezer adding an extra five minutes or thaw overnight in the fridge first The flavor holds up perfectly so you are always ready for a party

Save It

Serve these rolls warm for the best flavor and texture Pair them with your favorite dips and enjoy every gooey bite