Hawaiian Roll Hacks: 17 Holiday Shortcuts That Start With One Pack of Sweet Rolls

Hawaiian roll hacks are everywhere this fall, and for good reason. Allrecipes’ video of sweet roll hacks passed 1.7 million views in about six weeks, and a short clip turning the rolls into cinnamon rolls reached half a million views in a month. Those soft, slightly sweet rolls come stuck together in a neat slab, which makes them perfect for pull-apart breakfasts, party sandwiches and quick desserts. One 12-pack and a few pantry items can feed a crowd. With Thanksgiving on November 26 and holiday parties right after, these shortcuts will save you hours. Here are the ideas home cooks keep coming back to..

Hawaiian Roll Hacks Start With One Pack

That soft pack of sweet dinner rolls is the most useful thing in the bread aisle this season. With a few pantry items it turns into cinnamon rolls, French toast, garlic bread and party food in minutes. Keep two packs in the freezer from now until New Year’s..

You will need: One or two 12-packs of sweet dinner rolls, butter, a 9×13 pan, a long serrated knife, foil and a pastry brush.

How to make it: 1. Keep the rolls in one slab. 2. Use a serrated knife to slice the whole slab in half sideways for sandwiches. 3. Brush tops with melted butter for shine. 4. Cover with foil for the first part of baking so they do not burn. 5. Uncover for the last few minutes to crisp. 6. Freeze extra packs for up to 3 months.

Hawaiian Roll Hacks Star: 15-Minute Cinnamon Rolls

This is the hack that went viral. Slice the slab of rolls in half, brush the inside with butter, cinnamon and brown sugar, then put the top back on and bake. Drizzle with a quick cream cheese icing while warm. They taste like bakery cinnamon rolls with no yeast and no rising. Perfect for Christmas morning. Would you try it?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 1/2 cup soft butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon. Icing: 2 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Slice the slab of rolls in half sideways. 3. Mix butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and spread on the cut side. 4. Replace the tops and brush with a little more butter. 5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. 6. Whisk the icing and drizzle over the warm rolls.

Hawaiian Roll Hacks for Breakfast: Overnight French Toast Bake

Sweet rolls soak up custard beautifully, so they make the creamiest French toast bake. Tear them into pieces, pour over eggs, milk and cinnamon, and chill overnight. In the morning, top with pecans and bake. It is the easiest holiday breakfast for a house full of guests. Maple syrup or powdered sugar?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls torn, 6 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1/2 cup cream, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 2 tbsp butter.

How to make it: 1. Butter a 9×13 dish and add the torn rolls. 2. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. 3. Pour over the rolls and press down. 4. Cover and chill overnight. 5. Top with pecans and dots of butter. 6. Bake at 350F for 40 to 45 minutes.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls

For one of the most useful Hawaiian roll hacks, brush the whole slab with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley and bake until the tops are golden. You get soft, buttery garlic bread that tears apart in perfect squares. It is the easiest side for spaghetti night, soup night or the holiday table. The sweet and salty mix is addictive. Garlic lover or not?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 1/3 cup melted butter, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Set the slab of rolls in a baking dish. 3. Mix the butter and garlic. 4. Brush it over the tops and into the cracks. 5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

Monkey Bread From Sweet Rolls

Classic monkey bread starts with biscuit dough, but Hawaiian roll hacks make it even softer. Cut the rolls into quarters, toss in cinnamon sugar and pour a buttery caramel over the top. Bake in a Bundt pan and flip it onto a plate. Everyone pulls off sticky bites with their fingers. Is this a family tradition at your house?

You will need: 2 packs (24) sweet rolls quartered, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and grease a Bundt pan. 2. Toss the roll pieces in cinnamon sugar. 3. Layer them in the pan. 4. Melt the butter with brown sugar and vanilla. 5. Pour over the rolls. 6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, rest 5 minutes and flip out.

Ham and Cheese Party Rolls With Poppy Seed Butter

These baked ham and Swiss rolls are famous at every potluck and game day. A buttery sauce with mustard, onion and poppy seeds soaks into the tops as they bake. Allrecipes’ Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders have hundreds of five-star ratings. Make them ahead and bake when guests arrive. Have you had these at a party?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 3/4 lb sliced deli ham, 8 slices Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp dried minced onion.

How to make it: 1. Slice the slab of rolls in half and set the bottom in a 9×13 pan. 2. Layer the ham and cheese. 3. Replace the top. 4. Mix butter, mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire and onion and pour over. 5. Cover with foil and bake at 350F for 15 minutes. 6. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes.

Breakfast Sliders With Eggs and Sausage

Among Hawaiian roll hacks for busy mornings, this one wins. Bake a sheet of scrambled eggs, layer it on the rolls with sausage patties and cheese, and you have a dozen breakfast sandwiches at once. They are perfect for a holiday morning or a busy school week. Wrap extras in foil and freeze them for grab-and-go breakfasts. Sausage or bacon in yours?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 8 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 12 cooked sausage patties, 6 slices cheddar, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the eggs and milk and bake in a greased 9×13 pan at 350F for 15 minutes. 2. Slice the rolls in half. 3. Layer the egg, sausage and cheese on the bottom half. 4. Replace the top. 5. Brush with butter mixed with maple syrup. 6. Bake 10 minutes until the cheese melts.

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Rolls

This might be the best of all Hawaiian roll hacks for the week after Thanksgiving. Layer leftover turkey, Swiss cheese and a spread of cranberry sauce inside the rolls, brush with herb butter and bake. The sweet rolls, tart cranberry and savory turkey taste like the holiday in one bite. Do you love leftovers more than the main meal?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 3/4 lb sliced leftover turkey, 6 slices Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Slice the slab of rolls in half and set the bottom in a pan. 3. Spread with cranberry sauce. 4. Layer turkey and cheese and replace the top. 5. Brush with butter mixed with sage and garlic powder. 6. Bake covered 15 minutes, then uncovered 5.

Hawaiian Roll Hacks Kids Love: Pizza Pull-Apart Rolls

Kids go wild for these. Slice the rolls, fill them with pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni, then brush with garlic butter and Italian seasoning. Bake until the cheese melts and stretches. Serve with extra warm sauce for dipping. They are a great Friday night dinner or holiday movie night snack. Pepperoni or plain cheese?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 3/4 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 24 pepperoni slices, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp garlic powder.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Slice the slab in half and set the bottom in a pan. 3. Spread with sauce and top with mozzarella and pepperoni. 4. Replace the top. 5. Brush with butter, Italian seasoning and garlic. 6. Bake 15 minutes covered and 5 uncovered.

Hawaiian Roll Hacks for Parties: Mini Bread Bowls

Hollow out single rolls to make adorable mini bread bowls. Toast them for a few minutes so they hold their shape, then fill with chili, chowder or a warm dip. Guests can eat the bowl too, so there is less to wash. They look so cute on a party table. Which soup would you serve in them?

You will need: 12 sweet rolls pulled apart, 2 tbsp melted butter, 3 cups hot chili, chowder or warm dip, shredded cheese and chives to top.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Cut a small circle from the top of each roll. 3. Scoop out some of the soft inside. 4. Brush inside with butter. 5. Toast 6 to 8 minutes. 6. Fill with hot soup or dip and top with cheese.

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Rolls

This is one of the Hawaiian roll hacks that guests always ask about. Mix a quick spinach artichoke dip, spoon it into the rolls and bake until hot and bubbly. Each roll is a perfect one-bite appetizer, so there is no bowl of dip to crowd around. Make the filling a day ahead to save time. Would this disappear at your party?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup chopped canned artichokes, 1 cup chopped frozen spinach squeezed dry, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 clove garlic.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, artichokes, spinach, garlic and half the cheese. 3. Cut a slit in the top of each roll. 4. Spoon the filling inside. 5. Top with the rest of the cheese. 6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until bubbly.

Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls

Sweet Hawaiian roll hacks can be dessert too. Turn the rolls into a quick treat that tastes like strawberry cheesecake. Spread sweetened cream cheese and strawberry jam inside, bake briefly and dust with powdered sugar. They are pretty enough for a holiday brunch and easy enough for a weeknight treat. Serve with fresh berries. Strawberry or cherry?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup strawberry jam, 2 tbsp melted butter, fresh strawberries to serve.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Slice the slab of rolls in half. 3. Beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla and spread on the bottom. 4. Spoon the jam over it and replace the top. 5. Brush with butter and bake 12 minutes. 6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with berries.

Hawaiian Roll Hacks for Dessert: Sweet Roll Bread Pudding

Stale rolls make the richest bread pudding you have ever tasted, because they are already a little sweet and buttery. Cube them, soak in a vanilla custard and bake until puffed and golden. A drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream makes it a holiday dessert. Grandma would be proud. Raisins: yes or no?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls cubed, 4 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 cup raisins optional.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and butter a baking dish. 2. Spread the cubes in the dish. 3. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and butter. 4. Pour over and let soak 15 minutes. 5. Add raisins if you like. 6. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until set and golden.

Honey Butter Rolls With Flaky Salt

Sometimes the best Hawaiian roll hacks are the simplest. Brush warm rolls with honey butter and sprinkle with flaky salt, and they taste like the famous rolls from a fancy steakhouse. It takes five minutes and makes store-bought rolls taste homemade. Want more? See our homemade Thanksgiving dinner rolls. Sweet and salty fan?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 3 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Melt the butter with the honey. 3. Set the slab of rolls on a baking sheet. 4. Brush generously with honey butter. 5. Warm 5 to 7 minutes. 6. Brush again and sprinkle with flaky salt.

Everything Bagel Rolls With Cream Cheese

For a brunch board, try one of the newer Hawaiian roll hacks. Brush rolls with butter, press on everything bagel seasoning and bake, then split and fill with whipped cream cheese. They taste like soft mini bagels, perfect for holiday mornings. Add smoked salmon and cucumber for a fancy version. The seasoning sticks better if you brush with egg wash first. Would you add salmon?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 1 egg beaten, 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning, 1 tub (8 oz) whipped cream cheese, smoked salmon and cucumber slices optional.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Brush the tops of the rolls with egg. 3. Sprinkle with the seasoning. 4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes and cool slightly. 5. Split each roll. 6. Fill with cream cheese and salmon if you like.

Croutons and Stuffing Cubes From Stale Rolls

The thriftiest of all Hawaiian roll hacks: do not throw away stale rolls. Cube them, toss with butter and herbs and bake into crunchy croutons for salads and soups. Or dry them plain and use them in your Thanksgiving stuffing for a slightly sweet twist. They keep for a week in a sealed jar. Have you ever made stuffing with sweet bread?

You will need: 6 to 8 stale sweet rolls cut in cubes, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 325F. 2. Toss the cubes with butter, garlic, herbs and salt. 3. Spread on a sheet pan. 4. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once, until crisp. 5. Cool completely. 6. Store in a sealed jar up to 1 week.

Chocolate Marshmallow Rolls

This dessert gives you all the fun of s’mores with no campfire needed. Fill the rolls with chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, then bake until gooey. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers. It is a sweet ending for family movie night. Are you team chocolate or team marshmallow?

You will need: 1 pack (12) sweet rolls, 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 graham crackers crushed.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Slice the slab of rolls in half. 3. Spread the bottom with chocolate hazelnut spread. 4. Add chocolate chips and marshmallows and replace the top. 5. Brush with butter and sprinkle with graham crumbs. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until gooey.