Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread

Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make twist on traditional garlic bread. Using sweet Hawaiian rolls as the base gives it a soft, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a garlic butter topping and melty cheese.

PROCESS:

  • Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and arrange them in a baking dish.
  • Melt the butter and mix in the garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Pour the garlic butter over the rolls, ensuring it soaks between them.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley, let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Here’s what you are going to need to make it:

Hawaiian Rolls: The sweet, soft texture of these rolls is the perfect base for this cheesy garlic bread. They add a slight sweetness that balances the savory garlic butter and cheese.

Butter: The melted butter is essential for creating that rich, indulgent base. It coats the rolls and helps infuse the garlic and herbs, making each bite buttery and flavorful.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a savory depth and aromatic fragrance to the dish, complementing the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the rolls.

Mozzarella Cheese: This melty cheese creates a gooey, cheesy layer on top of the rolls, making the garlic bread wonderfully rich and indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste, giving the bread a savory edge.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch at the end, brightening the rich flavors and adding a pop of color.

Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder enhances the garlic flavor, giving an extra layer of savory goodness to the dish.

Salt & Black Pepper: These basic seasonings help balance all the flavors, with salt enhancing the taste and pepper adding a bit of warmth.

Italian Seasoning (Optional): A sprinkle of Italian seasoning brings a subtle herbaceous note, though it’s optional depending on your flavor preference.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Hawaiian rolls (12-pack or as needed)
  • Butter (1/2 cup, melted)
  • Minced garlic (5-6 cloves or 1 tablespoon)
  • Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
  • Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
  • Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Italian seasoning (optional, 1 teaspoon)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

  • Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (as a whole, or individually if preferred). Be careful not to cut all the way through. Leave them connected at the base if you’re making a pull-apart bread style.
  • Arrange the slices in a baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

  • In a small bowl, add melted or softened butter.
  • Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper to the melted butter. Stir well to mix.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

  • Insert the shredded mozzarella cheese generously inside the rolls.
  • Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the Hawaiian rolls. Make sure the butter soaks in between the slices to ensure flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Garlic Bread

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or set your air fryer to 325°F (165°C).
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
  • Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the bread is heated through, and the cheese starts to melt.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley

  • Once the cheese is melted and the bread is warm, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve

  • Let the garlic bread cool for a couple of minutes before serving and then cut the bread into individual pieces if not already sliced. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Notes:

  • You can add extra minced garlic or garlic powder if you want an even stronger garlic taste.
  • If you like a sharper cheese flavor, try adding some sharp cheddar or Gruyère to the mozzarella.
  • For some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or using a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
  • You can prepare this garlic bread ahead of time. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
  • After baking, you can place the garlic bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get the top extra crispy and golden brown.