Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls 🧀
Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls. Imagine the soft, slightly sweet rolls infused with a savory garlic cream cheese filling, brushed with aromatic garlic butter, and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These rolls are perfect for any gathering, bringing comfort and gourmet elegance to your table. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to captivate your taste buds and those of your loved ones.
Ingredients Overview
For the Garlic Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that provides a rich, smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds a delightful, gooey melt to the filling.
- 2 tbsp green onion, diced: Introduces a mild, fresh onion flavor.
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped: Brings a hint of earthiness and a pop of green.
- 1 tsp garlic, minced: For that essential garlic flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor and complements the garlic.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp sugar: Slightly enhances the sweetness of the rolls.
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The base for a rich, buttery coating.
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and color.
- 1 tsp garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with a robust garlic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall taste.
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: A finishing touch of nutty, savory goodness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, diced green onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Mix the Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and salt. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Rolls:
- Make Crosscuts: Using a sharp knife, make crosscuts halfway into each Hawaiian roll, dividing them into four connected pieces.
Fill the Rolls:
- Pipe the Filling: Carefully fill the crosscuts with the garlic cream cheese filling, ensuring each roll is generously stuffed.
Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Coat the Rolls: Brush the tops and sides of the rolls with the prepared garlic butter.
Bake:
- Bake the Rolls: Place the filled and brushed rolls on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the filling is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Garnish and Serve:
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, brush the rolls with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve while warm and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Valuable Tips
Tip: For an even richer flavor, allow the filling to rest in the refrigerator for an hour before piping it into the rolls.
Tip: Use a serrated knife to make the crosscuts in the rolls for a cleaner cut.
Tip: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave them on medium power for 30-45 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor.
2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the baking step, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them as directed.
3. Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
4. How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy? Ensure the filling is not too runny and avoid overstuffing the rolls.
5. Can I add meat to the filling? Sure! Crumbled bacon or finely diced ham would make a great addition to the filling.
6. What can I serve with these rolls? These rolls pair well with soups, salads, or as a side for pasta dishes.
7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but use half the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated in flavor.
8. Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic? Yes, substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of minced garlic.
9. Can I make these rolls gluten-free? Use gluten-free rolls and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
10. Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Finely diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions.
11. How can I make these rolls spicier? Add some finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
12. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor.
13. Can I make the filling in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.
14. What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use? Freshly grated Parmesan is best for its superior flavor and texture.
15. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out? Ensure the crosscuts are not too deep and the rolls are not overfilled.
16. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, but the texture and flavor might slightly differ.
17. How do I make the rolls extra crispy? Brush the rolls with additional garlic butter halfway through baking.
18. Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better.
19. Can I make these rolls in an air fryer? Yes, cook them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
20. How do I make these rolls vegan? Use vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and vegan cheese substitutes.
20 Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection
Secret 1: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling. Secret 2: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor better than garlic powder. Secret 3: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing. Secret 4: Freshly grated mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded. Secret 5: Chill the filling slightly before piping for better consistency. Secret 6: Use a serrated knife for clean, precise cuts in the rolls. Secret 7: Brush the rolls generously with garlic butter to ensure even coating. Secret 8: Rotate the baking tray halfway through for even browning. Secret 9: Add a dash of black pepper to the filling for a subtle spice. Secret 10: Use a piping bag for neat and even distribution of the filling. Secret 11: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and fresh taste. Secret 12: For an extra crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs with Parmesan. Secret 13: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking. Secret 14: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. Secret 15: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Secret 16: Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch for added flavor. Secret 17: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for variation. Secret 18: For a sweeter touch, drizzle a bit of honey over the rolls before baking. Secret 19: Keep an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. Secret 20: Always taste the filling before piping to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Enjoy making and savoring these delightful Garlic Cream Cheese Hawaiian Rolls! They are sure to become a favorite in your home.