Cheesy Garlic Bread Hawaiian

This recipe takes classic cheesy garlic bread to a new level with rich roasted garlic and a custardy butter mixture that soaks into every bite. It comes out golden and crisp but never dry and heavy and makes the ultimate side for pasta night or an unexpectedly impressive party snack.

I whipped this up for a big family dinner and the whole sheet pan disappeared almost instantly. Even my pickiest eater asked for seconds which never happens.

Ingredients

• Garlic cloves: choose firm fresh garlic because old garlic can turn bitter when roasted
• Olive oil: for the best flavor look for extra virgin cold pressed oil
• Salt: just a pinch brings out sweetness in the roasted garlic
• Butter: use unsalted if you want to control the salt level in your custard
• Egg: binds the custard and gives richness
• Milk: whole milk will taste creamiest but any milk works
• Paprika: opt for smoked paprika to add savoriness
• Fresh parsley: brightens everything and adds a pop of color
• Kings Hawaiian Sheet Rolls: make for the perfect pillowy center and golden crust French baguette also works in a pinch
• Mozzarella cheese: choose whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and pull
• Chopped parsley and chili flakes: for a final burst of flavor and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Roasted Garlic:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Combine peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and salt and stir so every clove is coated. Place in a small oven safe dish and cover tightly then bake for twenty minutes until the garlic is very soft and golden. Let it cool slightly and mash to a smooth paste with a fork

Make the Garlic Butter Custard:

In a mixing bowl combine the mashed roasted garlic the melted butter egg milk salt paprika and chopped parsley. Whisk very thoroughly until you have a silky creamy mixture that smells amazing

Bake the Bread Base:

Raise or lower your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Slice your sheet of Hawaiian rolls crosswise into two even slabs. Place the pieces cut side up on a lined sheet pan. Bake for about eight to ten minutes until they are just starting to crisp but still pillowy inside

Dip and Soak:

Pour your garlic butter custard into a large shallow pan. Place each slab of baked bread cut side down into the custard pressing gently to help the sponge soak up the garlicky mixture. Let each side soak for just a moment so the bread will be flavorful but not soggy

Bake and Broil:

Return your custard soaked bread to the baking sheet and bake for fifteen to eighteen minutes until golden at the edges. Scatter shredded mozzarella in a thick even layer and switch your oven to broil. Broil about five minutes closely watching until the cheese is bubbling and deeply golden

Serve and Garnish:

Remove from the oven and shower with more chopped parsley and a pinch of chili flakes. Slice into squares and prepare to watch it vanish

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I always look forward to the moment when the custard bubble starts to scent the whole kitchen with that buttery garlicky aroma. My kids love fighting over the crispiest end pieces and we almost never have leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled leftover garlic bread keeps well wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat bake leftovers in a hot oven for five to seven minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want the cheese to stay gooey and the crust to stay toasty.

Swaps for Ingredients

If you do not have Hawaiian rolls opt for a large French loaf or even ciabatta and slice crosswise to mimic the sheet. You can swap fresh parsley for basil or chives depending on season. Any semi soft cheese like Monterey Jack or provolone is great instead of mozzarella especially if you want a little sharper flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This cheesy garlic bread is ideal as a starter or side for tomato soup or a classic pasta dish like spaghetti. You can turn slices into the base for open faced sandwiches or tear it into chunks for dipping in warm marinara sauce. For a party platter stack them into a bread tower with extra chili flakes for dramatic effect.

A Little History

Cheesy garlic bread is a favorite across America but has roots in Italian American cooking which often pairs garlic butter with crusty loaves. The addition of cheese came later turning it from a humble snack into a true crowd pleaser in both home kitchens and pizzerias.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a baguette instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, a French baguette can replace Hawaiian rolls. The texture will be crustier, but the flavors work equally well.

→ How do I roast garlic for this bread?

Peeled garlic cloves are coated in olive oil and salt, then baked covered at 400°F until soft and golden, about 20 minutes.

→ Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

→ What cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella delivers the best melt and stretch, but a blend with cheddar or parmesan adds extra flavor and depth.

→ How can I avoid sogginess when dipping the bread?

Briefly bake the bread to crisp it before dipping; this helps prevent excess moisture and maintains a firm, golden crust.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can roast the garlic and assemble the butter custard in advance, but wait to assemble and bake just before serving for best results.