Stuffed Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls are an irresistible, ooey-gooey, and decadently savory twist on classic dinner rolls, transforming soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into individual pockets of warm, cheesy, and garlicky bliss. This recipe is a masterclass in easy yet impressive entertaining, starting with the ingenious technique of slicing an “X” into the top of each roll to create a perfect cavity for a rich, luxurious filling. The filling itself is a dreamy blend of creamy, tangy cream cheese, shredded mozzarella for that perfect stretch, and a potent punch of fresh minced garlic and Italian herbs. Piped directly into the heart of each roll, this mixture melts into a molten core as the rolls bake. The crowning touch is a generous drizzle of garlic-infused butter and a shower of more cheese over the top, which bakes into a golden, bubbling, and fragrant crust that is impossible to resist. Each pull-apart roll becomes a self-contained, shareable delight, offering the perfect balance of sweet, buttery bread and savory, creamy garlic cheese in every single bite.
The true brilliance of this recipe lies in its clever assembly and its guaranteed crowd-pleasing nature. It takes mere minutes to prepare but yields results that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery. The combination of the sweet Hawaiian roll with the savory, garlicky filling creates a universally beloved flavor profile that is perfect as an appetizer, a side dish for pasta or soup, or even a fun and indulgent main course. As they bake, the rolls puff up around the filling, the butter soaks into the tops, and the cheese forms a golden, irresistible crust, filling your kitchen with an aroma that will have everyone gathering around the oven. Stuffed Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls are more than just a side; they are a festive, shareable, and utterly delicious centerpiece that is sure to be the star of any meal or gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sweet, soft roll with the savory, garlicky cream cheese filling is a match made in appetizer heaven.
- Perfect Party Food: These individual, pull-apart rolls are easy to serve and eat, making them ideal for game day, holidays, or any gathering.
- Shockingly Easy to Make: With just a few minutes of prep and simple assembly, you can create an impressive and delicious dish.
- Customizable Filling: Easily adapt the filling by adding cooked bacon, spinach, jalapeños, or using different cheese blends.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-pack) package classic Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for greasing dish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour 2 tablespoons of the melted butter into a 7×11-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Without separating the individual rolls, use a sharp serrated knife to carefully slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally (like a giant sandwich), if desired, to create a top and bottom layer for easier stuffing. For individual stuffed rolls, carefully separate each roll. Using a small, sharp knife, cut an “X” into the top of each roll, about ¾ of the way down, being careful not to cut through the bottom. Gently open the slit with your fingers or the handle of a wooden spoon to create a pocket. Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the minced garlic, and 1 ½ teaspoons of the Italian seasoning until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Rolls
Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the filling into the pocket of each roll, dividing it evenly.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter and Cheese Topping
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of melted butter with the garlic powder and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Drizzle or brush this garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of all the stuffed rolls. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and the ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is hot.
Step 7: Serve
Let the rolls cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm while the cheese is perfectly gooey.
Tips:
- Soften Cream Cheese Thoroughly: This is essential for a smooth, pipeable filling. Leave it out on the counter for at least an hour.
- Don’t Cut Through the Bottom: When making the “X”, the goal is to create a pocket, not a hole. A solid bottom keeps the filling contained.
- Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor of fresh minced garlic is far superior to garlic powder in the filling.
- Tent with Foil if Needed: If the tops are browning too quickly before the rolls are hot, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
Storage Options:
- Best Served Immediately: These rolls are at their absolute peak fresh from the oven.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. The microwave will make the bread chewy.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the rolls (stuff and add butter/cheese topping) a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 2-3 minutes to the bake time.
