This Hawaiian Garlic Rolls Recipe takes the classic sweet, fluffy rolls everyone loves and transforms them into a savory, buttery side dish. In just 20 minutes, you can serve a crowd-pleasing addition to any dinner that perfectly balances sweetness with rich garlic flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it uses simple, store-bought ingredients to create a gourmet result with minimal effort. The deep “X” cut in each roll allows the herb-infused garlic butter to soak deep into the bread, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Whether you are serving a weeknight pasta dish or hosting a holiday gathering, these rolls are always the first thing to disappear from the table.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian Rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian or a store brand)
- 6 Tablespoons Butter, melted
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Coarse Salt, such as Maldon Sea Salt (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, finely chopped garlic, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Arrange the 12 Hawaiian rolls on a rimmed baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, cut a deep “X” into the top of each individual roll, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
- Slowly pour the garlic butter mixture over the rolls. Aim to get plenty of the butter and garlic bits inside the “X” cuts, allowing the excess to drip down the sides of the rolls.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake uncovered for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the rolls are warmed through and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results with your Hawaiian Garlic Rolls Recipe, use a sharp serrated knife to make the cuts; this prevents the soft bread from squishing while you slice. If you prefer a more mellow garlic flavor, you can sauté the garlic in the butter for one minute before pouring it over the rolls. Finally, don’t skip the rimmed baking sheet, as it catches any butter that drips off the rolls, preventing a mess in your oven.
Variations & Substitutions
Make them Cheesy: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the rolls before baking. Avoid pre-grated canned cheese, as it won’t melt as smoothly.
Add Protein: Turn these into sliders by stuffing a small amount of deli ham, turkey, or shredded chicken into the slits before adding the butter.
Herb Swaps: If you don’t have parsley, try using chopped chives, green onions, or even a pinch of dried Italian seasoning.
Salt Options: If you use salted butter, you may want to skip the additional coarse salt on top to control the sodium levels.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside a bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti or a warm Mini Meatball and Orzo Soup. They are also the perfect vessel for soaking up the sauce from Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake or serving as a side for crispy baked salmon.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: For the best quality, freeze the rolls and the garlic butter separately. Defrost the rolls at room temperature and melt the butter before following the standard baking instructions.
Reheating: To maintain the texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread chewy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 Roll) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 137 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 23 mg |
| Sodium | 130 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Hawaiian Garlic Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, finely chopped garlic, and chopped parsley until well combined.6 Tablespoons Butter, 4 cloves Garlic, 2 Tablespoons Parsley
- Arrange the 12 Hawaiian rolls on a rimmed baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, cut a deep “X” into the top of each individual roll, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom.12 Hawaiian Rolls
- Slowly pour the garlic butter mixture over the rolls. Aim to get plenty of the butter and garlic bits inside the “X” cuts, allowing the excess to drip down the sides of the rolls.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake uncovered for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the rolls are warmed through and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Serve immediately while warm.Coarse Salt
Notes
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any soft dinner roll or slider bun. However, the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls provides the best contrast to the savory garlic butter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the garlic butter and cut the rolls in advance. For the best texture, wait to pour the butter and bake until just before you are ready to serve.
Is fresh garlic necessary?
Freshly chopped garlic provides the most potent and clean flavor. While garlic powder can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon), fresh cloves are highly recommended for this specific recipe.
What brand of rolls should I buy?
King’s Hawaiian is the most common brand, but many grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Aldi carry their own versions of sweet Hawaiian rolls that work perfectly.