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This cheesy garlic bread transforms ordinary dinner rolls into an irresistible appetizer that rivals any restaurant version. The secret is a rich garlic butter custard that soaks into the bread, creating layers of flavor that complement the gooey melted cheese topping.
I first made this for a neighborhood potluck when I needed something quick yet impressive. Three neighbors asked for the recipe before dinner even started, and now it's requested at every gathering.
Ingredients
- Roasted garlic cloves: Add sweet caramelized flavor without the bite of raw garlic
- Butter: Forms the rich base for our custard mixture
- Egg: Provides structure to the custard so it coats rather than soaks
- Milk: Helps thin the custard to the perfect consistency
- King's Hawaiian rolls: Offer a hint of sweetness that balances the savory garlic
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect stretchy pull when served warm
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavors and adds color contrast
- Paprika: Adds subtle smoky notes and beautiful color to the custard
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the garlic:
- Peel garlic cloves and toss with olive oil and salt. Place in a small oven safe dish covered with a lid or foil. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes until the cloves become soft and golden brown. The garlic should easily smash with a fork when done. This transforms harsh raw garlic into sweet aromatic flavor.
- Prepare the custard:
- Combine the mashed roasted garlic with melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika and fresh parsley in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth with no egg streaks remaining. The mixture should have a pale golden color and be thin enough to coat but thick enough to cling to the bread.
- Toast the bread:
- Carefully slice the connected Hawaiian rolls horizontally into top and bottom halves, keeping each half intact as a sheet. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 10 minutes until lightly golden and just crisp on the outside. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy when dipped.
- Soak in custard:
- Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish large enough to accommodate the bread sheets. Dip each bread half into the custard, turning to coat all sides including the edges. The bread should absorb some custard but not become saturated. Place back on the baking sheet.
- Bake until golden:
- Return the custard soaked bread to the oven and bake at 350°F for 15 18 minutes. The custard will set and the bread will become golden brown. The edges should be crisp while the center remains tender.
- Add cheese and broil:
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread. Switch the oven to broil and cook for about 5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and develops brown spots. The cheese should be bubbly and have some caramelized areas for the best flavor.
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The first time I served this at a family gathering, my Italian grandmother who rarely compliments non family recipes asked for seconds. She said the custard approach reminded her of a technique her mother used in Sicily, though she never thought to apply it to garlic bread.
Make Ahead Options
This recipe works beautifully when prepared in stages. You can roast the garlic and prepare the custard up to two days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Simply warm the custard mixture before using to ensure it coats the bread properly. The bread can also be toasted ahead of time, though for best results, complete the final baking and cheese melting just before serving.
Creative Variations
While mozzarella creates that classic cheese pull, experiment with different cheese combinations for variety. A mix of sharp cheddar and parmesan adds complexity, or try fontina for extra richness. For an herb garden version, add fresh minced rosemary and thyme to the custard. Spice lovers can incorporate red pepper flakes directly into the custard for heat in every bite.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Work
The slight sweetness and soft texture of King's Hawaiian rolls create a perfect contrast to the savory garlic and cheese. Their connected sheet form makes the recipe easier than working with individual rolls or slicing a baguette. The tight crumb structure absorbs the custard efficiently without falling apart. If substituting a baguette, choose one with a tender interior rather than an artisan loaf with large air pockets.
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Serve this cheesy garlic bread warm, and watch how quickly it disappears—it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I roast garlic for this bread?
Roast peeled garlic cloves in olive oil and a pinch of salt at 400°F for about 20 minutes, until soft and golden. Mash with a fork to use in the recipe.
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
King's Hawaiian rolls work wonderfully, but a French baguette of similar size can also be used for great results.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can roast the garlic and prepare the garlic butter custard in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?
After baking, switch your oven to broil and melt the mozzarella for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- → Can I substitute mozzarella cheese with another type?
Yes, try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the bread doesn't become soggy?
Bake the bread sheets briefly before dipping in the custard to create a crispy base that holds its structure.