A crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with a moisture-blocking cheese barrier, zesty marinara, and pepperoni, finished with a savory garlic-Parmesan butter glaze.
Heat the oven to 375°F, and set a rimmed baking sheet nearby so any butter stays contained.
Keep the rolls connected, then use a long serrated knife to slice the whole slab horizontally, aiming for an even cut so the tops sit flat and the bottoms stay sturdy.
Build the moisture barrier and layers
Place the bottom sheet of rolls on the baking sheet, then lay down your moisture barrier first, a single layer of cheese across the bottom bun, so the sauce cannot soak in.
Spoon on the marinara or pizza sauce in an even, thin layer, then add the pepperoni, and finish with the shredded mozzarella so it melts into a bubbly blanket.
Set the top sheet of rolls back on, and press very gently so everything settles without squishing the fillings out the sides.
Glaze and bake
Stir the melted butter with the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano, then brush it generously over the tops, letting it drip into the creases.
Bake for 12 minutes at 375°F, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the rolls darken too quickly, rest a loose tent of aluminum foil over the pan.
Slice and serve
Let the pan sit for one minute so the cheese sets slightly, then cut between the rolls and serve warm while the centers are still stretchy.
Notes
Safety Tip: Watch the oven closely during the final minutes because the sugar content in Hawaiian rolls can cause them to go from golden to burnt very quickly.Technique Tip: Always apply a layer of cheese directly to the bottom bun before adding sauce. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps the bread from becoming soggy.Storage Tip: For leftovers, avoid using the microwave as it makes the bread chewy. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 350 degrees F to restore the crispy top.Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.