Recipe

Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread

Written by Bader Daifi

 

Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread

Introduction

Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread is a soft, buttery, and irresistibly flavorful side dish that blends the gentle sweetness
of Hawaiian rolls with rich garlic butter and melty cheese. Crispy on top, pillowy inside, and bursting with aroma,
this recipe transforms simple dinner rolls into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Perfect for family dinners, parties,
holidays, or casual snacking, it pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, and comfort-food classics.

History & Inspiration

Garlic bread traces its roots to Italian bruschetta, where bread was toasted and rubbed with garlic and olive oil.
Hawaiian rolls, however, are a uniquely American creation inspired by Portuguese sweet bread brought to Hawaii in
the early 20th century. Combining these two traditions creates a modern fusion dish—sweet, savory, and comforting—
that has become a staple at potlucks and gatherings across the U.S.

Ingredients

Main Components

  • 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ teaspoons garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese (Optional but Recommended)

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Method

This recipe uses the sheet-slice and bake method, allowing the rolls to stay connected while absorbing
the garlic butter evenly. Covering the rolls initially traps steam for softness, while uncovering at the end creates
a golden, lightly crisp top.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire sheet in half horizontally.
  3. Place the bottom half into a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

  1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Stir until fully blended.

Step 3: Assemble

  1. Brush half of the garlic butter mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
  2. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the buttered rolls.
  3. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
  4. Brush remaining garlic butter generously over the tops.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are heated through.
  2. Remove foil and bake an additional 3–5 minutes until tops are golden.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Slice along roll lines and serve warm.

Formation & Texture

The sweet rolls absorb the garlic butter while baking, creating a soft interior infused with flavor.
The cheese melts into the layers, binding the rolls together, while the exposed top crisps slightly,
offering a perfect balance of tender and toasted textures.

Benefits

  • Quick and easy with minimal prep
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Highly customizable with cheeses and seasonings
  • Ideal for feeding a crowd

For the Garlic Bread Lovers

This recipe is for those who believe garlic bread deserves center-stage status. If you love buttery rolls,
cheesy pulls, and that irresistible garlic aroma filling your kitchen, these Hawaiian Roll Garlic Breads
will quickly become your go-to side or snack.

Variations

  • Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy version
  • Use cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella
  • Mix honey into the butter for extra sweetness
  • Add cooked bacon bits for a savory twist

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort side—sweet, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy.
Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for
weeknight dinners, celebrations, and everything in between.