Ingredients:
- 2 packs of Hawaiian rolls
- Fresh mozzarella or shredded cheese of your choice
- Grated parmesan cheese
- 1 stick of butter
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced (or 2 tablespoons garlic paste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt a stick of butter in the microwave for about 40 seconds. Once melted, add the minced garlic or garlic paste, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to create the garlic butter mixture.
- Prepare Baking Pan and Rolls:
- Grease a baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Place the Hawaiian rolls in the pan, keeping them connected. Cut along the seams and create a small rectangle in the middle of each roll (do not cut all the way through). Flatten the cut middle piece slightly.
- Coating the Rolls:
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture inside the rolls, ensuring it’s spread evenly across all the rolls and inside the cuts.
- Add Cheese:
- Place fresh mozzarella slices or sprinkle shredded cheese inside the cut of each roll. You can be generous with the cheese for a gooey, cheesy result.
- Baking:
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the rolls turn golden brown.
- Finishing Touch (Optional):
- If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve these delightful Cheesy Garlic Rolls as a tasty snack or as a flavorful side dish with your favorite meal.
Here are some popular questions and answers related to making Cheesy Garlic Rolls:
1. How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the rolls up to the point of assembly, covering them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add the cheese and garlic butter before placing them in the oven.
2. Can I use different types of cheese for these rolls?
Absolutely! Experiment with various cheese combinations like mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of different cheeses to achieve different flavor profiles.
3. Can I use a different type of bread if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Certainly! While Hawaiian rolls provide a slightly sweet flavor, you can use other soft rolls or bread, such as dinner rolls or brioche, as a substitute.
4. How can I prevent the rolls from getting too soggy or dry while baking?
To prevent sogginess, avoid over-saturating the rolls with the garlic butter. Ensure the butter is evenly distributed, and if you’re using slices of fresh mozzarella, pat them dry to remove excess moisture. To prevent dryness, cover the rolls with foil during part of the baking time, uncovering them towards the end to achieve a golden-brown finish.
5. What can I serve these rolls with?
These Cheesy Garlic Rolls pair well with pasta dishes, soups, or as a side for salads. They can also be served as a delicious snack on their own or as an accompaniment to a variety of meals.
6. Can I add other ingredients like herbs or meat to the rolls?
Absolutely! You can add herbs such as parsley or basil for freshness or incorporate cooked bacon bits or pepperoni for additional flavors.
7. Can I make a larger batch for a party or gathering?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients and bake them in a larger baking dish or multiple pans to serve a larger group.
Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Cheesy Garlic Rolls
1. Cheese Blend:
- Variety in Cheese: Instead of using just one type of cheese, consider combining different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for a more complex and rich flavor.
2. Garlic Infusion:
- Roasted Garlic: Roasting the garlic beforehand brings out its natural sweetness and gives the rolls a milder, more caramelized garlic flavor. Mix the roasted garlic into the butter for a deeper taste.
3. Seasoning Layering:
- Herb-Infused Butter: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives to the garlic butter mix for a burst of fresh flavors and aromatics.
4. Bread Preparation:
- Butter Placement: Instead of simply spreading the garlic butter on the rolls, consider injecting the butter mix directly into the cuts of the rolls to ensure every bite is filled with flavor.
5. Baking Technique:
- Even Cooking: Arrange the rolls evenly in the baking dish and avoid overcrowding to ensure they bake uniformly. Brush the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter midway through baking to keep them moist and flavorful.
6. Visual Appeal:
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or grated parmesan over the rolls just after they come out of the oven for a pop of color and added freshness.
7. Customization:
- Spice Infusion: For a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper in the garlic butter mixture.
- Sweet and Savory Blend: Drizzle a little honey or sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar over the top of the rolls before baking for a sweet-savory combination.
