1. Main Page
  2. Recipe Ideas
  3. Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Rolls

Soft Cheesy Hawaiian Rolls

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

These Hawaiian rolls are softened with a savory garlic butter and stuffed with stretchy mozzarella string cheese. Topped with shredded mozzarella and parmesan, they bake quickly at 400°F to achieve a bubbly golden crust. Perfectly balanced with subtle sweetness and rich cheesy flavors, these rolls are ideal for gatherings or a warm snack. Simple to prepare, they combine buttery, aromatic garlic and delicate herbs for a comforting dish anyone can enjoy.

Pin This Share Recipe Share via Email Print Recipe Jump to Recipe
A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Sun, 19 Oct 2025 21:32:57 GMT
A white plate with a dish of garlic rolls. Bookmark
A white plate with a dish of garlic rolls. | tinycakee.com

These cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls bring together the soft sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls with the savory richness of garlic butter and two types of mozzarella cheese. They bake up golden and gooey in about fifteen minutes, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer perfect for family gatherings or casual get togethers. The combination of buttery, garlicky flavor and stretchy, melty cheese stuffed inside each roll offers a delightful surprise with every bite.

I first made these rolls at a family event and they vanished faster than anything else I brought. Now they’re my trusted go to recipe when I want an easy crowd pleaser that feels special without much fuss.

Ingredients

  • King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls: select fresh soft rolls for the ideal tender base
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into a gooey cheesy crust
  • Mozzarella string cheese sticks: add a fun stretchy cheese surprise inside each roll
  • Butter: melted to soak in flavor and crisp the tops
  • Minced garlic: offers punchy aromatic depth
  • Dried parsley: adds herb freshness and a pop of green color
  • Shredded parmesan cheese: delivers sharp nutty richness to complement mozzarella

Instructions

Set the Oven Temperature:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This high heat helps the cheese bubble nicely and the rolls heat through evenly. Position your oven rack in the middle for balanced baking.
Prepare the Rolls:
Arrange the twelve King’s Hawaiian rolls snugly in a greased baking dish so they touch slightly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut two slits into the top of each roll, being cautious not to slice through the bottom. These slits create pockets for the string cheese filling.
Add the Cheese:
Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick into four pieces. Insert one piece into each slit in the rolls. This hidden cheese melts into a stretchy surprise inside each roll.
Mix the Butter Garlic Sauce:
In a bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Coat the Rolls and Add Topping:
Brush the tops of each roll generously with the butter garlic mixture. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over all the rolls to form a cheesy crust.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turning a light golden brown. Watch carefully near the end to prevent burning.
A dish of cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls.
A dish of cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls. | tinycakee.com

One of my fondest memories is watching kids sneak these rolls before holiday dinners even began. They disappeared so quickly that no one could resist sharing.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh, reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crisp cheesy topping. Avoid microwaving as it makes the rolls soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If King’s Hawaiian rolls are unavailable choose soft dinner rolls or brioche buns instead. Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melty cheese flavor. Fresh parsley can replace dried for a brighter herb aroma.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls pair wonderfully with tomato soup or chicken noodle soup. They also work well as finger food for a casual party or alongside fresh salads and smoky barbecue dishes.

A dish of cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls.
A dish of cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls. | tinycakee.com

These cheesy Hawaiian garlic rolls are quick to assemble and impossible to resist. Serve them warm and watch them disappear.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheese works best for these rolls?

Mozzarella and parmesan are ideal, offering gooey melt and a savory finish that complements the rolls well.

→ Can the rolls be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them before baking to save time later.

→ What oven temperature should I use for baking?

Preheat the oven to 400°F to ensure even baking and a golden, bubbly top.

→ How do I keep the rolls moist while baking?

Brushing them with garlic butter before baking helps maintain moisture and infuses flavor.

→ Can other herbs be used in the butter mixture?

Dried parsley is recommended, but oregano or basil are great substitutes for different flavor profiles.

Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Rolls

Soft Hawaiian rolls filled with mozzarella and garlic butter, baked to golden perfection with a cheesy topping.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
12 minutes
Total Time
17 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 12 Portion Count (12 rolls)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

What You’ll Need

→ Bread

01 12 King's Hawaiian savory butter rolls

→ Cheese

02 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
03 120 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
04 60 grams shredded Parmesan cheese

→ Butter Mixture

05 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
06 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle to ensure even baking.

Step 02

Arrange the 12 rolls close together in a greased baking dish. Carefully cut two slits on the top of each roll without slicing through the bottom to create pockets for the mozzarella pieces.

Step 03

Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick into four equal pieces. Insert one piece into each slit of the rolls for a gooey cheese surprise.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the butter garlic mixture. Then evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over all the rolls to form a cheesy crust.

Step 06

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turning golden brown. Monitor closely near the end to prevent burning.

Helpful Hints

  1. Avoid slicing through the bottom of the rolls to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
  2. Lightly toasting the butter and garlic before combining with Parmesan enhances flavor depth.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days and reheat in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
  4. Substitutes include soft dinner rolls or brioche buns for the bread and provolone or fontina for mozzarella.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Greased baking dish
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush or spoon

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 11 g