Pin it
This gooey garlic bread turns basic dinner rolls into a mouthwatering starter that's better than what you'll find at many restaurants. What makes it special is a creamy garlic butter mixture that penetrates the bread, building flavor layers that work perfectly with the stretchy, melted cheese on top.
I whipped this up for the first time when our block party needed something fast but fancy. Before we even sat down to eat, three of my neighbors were already asking how I made it, and now everyone wants me to bring it whenever we get together.
Ingredients
- Roasted garlic cloves: They bring caramelized sweetness instead of the sharpness of raw garlic
- Butter: Creates the foundation for our flavorful mixture
- Egg: Helps the mixture stick to rather than soak through the bread
- Milk: Thins everything to just the right texture
- King's Hawaiian rolls: Their touch of sweetness works magic against the savory garlic
- Mozzarella cheese: Gives you that satisfying cheese pull when it's warm
- Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and pops of green color
- Paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and pretty color to the mixture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the garlic:
- Take the peels off your garlic cloves and mix with olive oil and salt. Put them in a small dish you can cover with a lid or foil. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until they're soft and golden. You should be able to mash them easily with a fork. This cooking step turns sharp garlic into something wonderfully aromatic.
- Prepare the custard:
- Mix your mashed garlic with melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika and parsley in a bowl. Stir it really well until it's completely smooth with no egg streaks. You want a light golden liquid that's thin enough to pour but thick enough to stick to the bread.
- Toast the bread:
- Carefully cut your connected Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping each half in one piece. Put them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 10 minutes until they're slightly golden and just crisp outside. This helps stop them from getting soggy later.
- Soak in custard:
- Pour your mixture into a flat dish big enough for the bread sheets. Dip each bread half into the mixture, making sure to coat all sides and edges. The bread should soak up some liquid but not get completely wet. Put them back on the baking sheet.
- Bake until golden:
- Put the soaked bread back in the oven at 350°F for 15 18 minutes. The mixture will set and the bread will turn golden brown. You want crispy edges while the middle stays soft.
- Add cheese and broil:
- Scatter mozzarella evenly over the bread. Switch to broil and cook about 5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and gets spots of brown. The best flavor comes when the cheese bubbles and gets slightly caramelized in spots.
Pin it
When I first brought this to a family dinner, my Italian grandma, who hardly ever praises non-family cooking, asked for more. She told me the mixture technique reminded her of something her mom used to do back in Sicily, though she never thought about using it for garlic bread.
Make Ahead Options
You can easily break this down into steps ahead of time. The garlic can be roasted and the mixture prepared up to two days early if kept covered in your fridge. Just warm the mixture before using so it coats properly. You can also toast the bread ahead, but for the best results, do the final baking and cheese melting right before you plan to serve it.
Creative Variations
Mozzarella gives that classic stretchy pull, but don't be afraid to try different cheese blends. A mix of sharp cheddar and parmesan brings more complex flavors, or fontina adds extra richness. For an herby twist, toss some fresh chopped rosemary and thyme into your mixture. If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes to the mixture so every bite has a kick.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Work
The touch of sweetness and soft feel of King's Hawaiian rolls creates just the right balance with the savory garlic and cheese. Since they come connected, they're easier to work with than separate rolls or cutting a baguette. Their dense structure soaks up the mixture well without falling apart. If you need to use a baguette instead, pick one with a soft inside rather than one with lots of air holes.
Pin it
Serve this cheesy garlic bread while it's still warm and watch how fast it gets gobbled up—it'll be the hit of any gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prepare roasted garlic?
Toss peeled garlic in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Mash it before use.
- → What bread is ideal for this dish?
Sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls are amazing, but a French baguette works just as well for pairing with cheesy flavors.
- → Can I prep this dish earlier?
Yes, the garlic and the butter mix can be made ahead. For the best experience, assemble and bake right before eating.
- → How do I get evenly melted cheese?
Pop the bread under the broiler for five minutes after baking, but stay close to avoid burning the top.
- → Is mozzarella swappable for another cheese?
Swap it with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses to get fun, new flavors.
- → How do I prevent the bread from going soggy?
Pre-toast the slices lightly! This creates a sturdy, crispy base before adding the custard and butter blend.