Buttery Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Heavenly Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe for Beginners

Soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls get a savory upgrade with this garlic cream cheese Hawaiian rolls recipe that will make your taste buds dance.

These delectable rolls pack a punch of flavor in every single bite.

Rich cream cheese melts perfectly into warm, golden bread, creating an irresistible combination.

The subtle sweetness of Hawaiian rolls pairs beautifully with the robust garlic and creamy cheese.

Each roll becomes a miniature flavor explosion that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

The recipe is remarkably simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Grab your baking sheet and get ready to serve up some seriously delicious bread that everyone will be talking about.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 13

Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Ingredient List

For The Base:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, pillowy bread with a hint of sweetness, perfect for creating a delightful appetizer or side dish.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Helps the rolls rise and develop a light, airy texture, choose fresh yeast for best results.
For The Garlic Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy base for the filling, bring to room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic flavor, use fresh garlic cloves for the most vibrant taste.
  • Parsley: Introduces a fresh, herbal note to brighten the filling, finely chop for even distribution.
For The Garlic Butter Topping:
  • Butter: Creates a luxurious, golden coating that adds richness and shine, use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Garlic: Infuses the butter with intense, savory depth, mince finely to spread evenly.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkles a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish, freshly grated provides the best flavor.

Tools to Prepare Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls

  • Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Piping Bag: Perfect for neatly filling rolls with cream cheese mixture.
  • Baking Sheet: Provides stable surface for rolls during baking.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for evenly spreading garlic butter on rolls.
  • Small Bowl: Handy for preparing garlic butter separately.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for making precise crosscuts in rolls.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Make These Hawaiian Rolls at Home

  • Kitchen Prep

Gather all your cooking tools and ingredients, ensuring everything is clean and ready for an amazing flavor adventure.

  • Roll Foundation

Gently slice Hawaiian rolls into connected quadrants without completely separating them, creating a beautiful pull-apart structure.

  • Creamy Surprise

Craft a luscious garlic cream cheese mixture that will transform ordinary rolls into a mouthwatering sensation.

  • Filling Magic

Carefully pipe the dreamy cream cheese blend into each roll’s delicate cuts, allowing flavors to nestle deep within.

  • Butter Brilliance

Whip up a heavenly garlic butter sauce that will elevate these rolls from simple to spectacular.

  • Golden Transformation

Slide the rolls into a warm oven, letting them bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the filling becomes irresistibly melted.

  • Final Flourish

Drizzle extra garlic butter and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the hot rolls, creating a stunning finish that will make everyone’s mouth water.

  • Serving Delight

Serve these rolls immediately while they’re warm, creating a sensational moment of culinary joy for family and friends.

Flavor Tips for Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls

  • Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling for a zesty kick that elevates the rolls' heat and excitement.
  • Prepare the rolls up to the point of filling and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast or brunch option.
  • Fold in fresh chopped herbs like chives, basil, or dill into the cream cheese mixture to introduce a bright, garden-fresh dimension to the classic recipe.
  • Swap Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free dinner rolls to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste and texture.

Presenting Hawaiian Rolls at the Table

  • Savor as Appetizer Delight: Serve these rolls as a mouthwatering starter for dinner parties or game night gatherings, letting guests pull apart the connected pieces and enjoy the gooey garlic cream cheese center.
  • Pair with Complementary Dishes: These rolls shine alongside pasta dishes, grilled meats, or as a side to hearty soups, adding a rich, buttery complement to your main course.
  • Create a Party Snack Platter: Arrange the warm rolls on a rustic wooden board with additional parmesan, fresh herbs, and a small dish of marinara sauce for dipping, making them an irresistible crowd-pleasing snack.
  • Elevate Brunch Spread: Incorporate these rolls into a weekend brunch menu, offering a savory option that breaks up sweeter breakfast items and provides a delicious flavor boost.

How to Store Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls Fresh

  • Quick Prep Strategy: Assemble rolls up to 24 hours before baking, storing covered in the refrigerator to save time during busy meal preparations.
  • Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for 3-4 days, gently reheating in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and warmth.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap unbaked filled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
  • Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed immediately after baking when the garlic cream cheese filling is melted and rolls are warm and golden. Pair with a fresh salad or as a delightful side to main dishes.
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Buttery Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Buttery Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade garlic cream cheese Hawaiian rolls combine pillowy bread with rich, herby flavors for a delightful side dish. Warm, golden rolls infused with creamy garlic spread will elevate any meal you serve.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps green onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp sugar
  • ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and set middle rack for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Filling Creation: Whisk cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous blend.
  3. Roll Preparation: Delicately slice Hawaiian rolls into four connected sections without fully separating, creating strategic pockets for filling.
  4. Filling and Coating: Transfer cream cheese mixture into a piping bag, carefully inject filling into roll crevices, then craft a robust garlic butter by combining melted butter, minced garlic, and selected herbs.
  5. Baking Process: Lavishly brush rolls with garlic butter and position in preheated oven, baking for 13-15 minutes until filling becomes molten and surfaces transform into a rich golden-brown hue.
  6. Finishing Touches: Once removed from oven, enhance rolls with an additional garlic butter glaze and generously sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  7. Serving: Present immediately while rolls remain warm, ensuring maximum flavor intensity and optimal textural experience.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Cut rolls carefully without fully separating sections to maintain structural integrity and ensure even filling distribution.
  • Precision Piping: Use a piping bag for controlled, uniform cream cheese filling, preventing messy or uneven application.
  • Butter Boost: Apply garlic butter before and after baking to maximize flavor intensity and achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
  • Temperature Timing: Watch rolls closely during the 13-15 minute baking window to prevent over-browning while ensuring melted, creamy filling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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