Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

If there’s one thing that never fails to bring a crowd together, it’s the irresistible pull of Garlic Bread Rolls. Picture ultra-soft dinner rolls, each bite bursting with rich, buttery garlic and fresh herbs—a homemade masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing (or not, if you can’t help yourself). These rolls are everything you love about classic garlic bread, all swirled inside pillowy buns that will steal the spotlight at your table. Whether you’re pairing them with a comforting bowl of soup or setting them out for a party, these Garlic Bread Rolls deliver comfort and celebration in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how just a handful of everyday ingredients create such memorable Garlic Bread Rolls. Each part lends something special, whether it’s extra flavor, signature fluffiness, or that gorgeous golden color on top.

• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base and keeps the rolls wonderfully tender while infusing irresistible buttery notes.
• Minced garlic: The star of the show, providing robust garlicky aroma and flavor in both the dough and finishing sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Lays the foundation for the dough, resulting in perfectly soft and pillowy rolls.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of green color and a fresh, subtle herby lift to every bite.
• Granulated sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds the tiniest hint of sweetness, rounding out all those savory notes.
• Instant yeast: Guarantees a smooth rise so your rolls bake up extra fluffy—no proofing required if you’re using this!
• Fine sea salt: Accentuates all the other flavors, balancing out the richness of the butter.
• Whole or 2% milk: Adds tenderness and helps give the rolls their signature soft texture—just make sure it’s warm, not hot.
• Large egg: Enriches the dough, contributing to a gentle crumb and golden hue.
• Beaten egg (for brushing): Makes the tops glossy and beautifully browned as they bake.
• Flaky sea salt (optional): The perfect finish for a little extra crunch and savory sparkle.

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Garlic Butter

Start by lightly buttering the bottom and sides of your 9×13 baking pan. Next, in a small pot, gently melt the butter and add your minced garlic. Sauté for just a minute or two—be careful not to brown it—until it smells wonderfully fragrant. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly while you measure out the rest of your ingredients. This simple garlic butter is what infuses the dough with that unmistakable flavor from the inside out!

Step 2: Mix Up the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine your flour, chopped parsley, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute everything. Pour in the warmed milk, crack in the egg, and add that gorgeous garlic butter you made. Using the dough hook, knead on low speed until you get a dough that looks smooth and feels soft and tacky—about 10 to 12 minutes. If it seems a bit too sticky, just add one tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable but still tender. This is when those Garlic Bread Rolls begin to come to life!

Step 3: Divide and Shape

Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. For the most even baking, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces—using a scale (aim for about 67 grams each) gives you perfectly uniform rolls. Shape each piece into a tight, smooth ball, pinching the seam underneath to seal. Arrange the dough balls in your prepared pan so their sides are just barely touching. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours. Watching them puff up is half the fun!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once the rolls are nicely risen, gently brush the tops with a beaten egg for that classic glossy finish. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden and the rolls feel springy. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible—get ready for people to wander in, drawn by the aroma!

Step 5: Finish With Garlic Butter and Serve

While the Garlic Bread Rolls are baking, make a quick batch of garlic herb butter. Melt butter, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then stir in more fresh parsley and remove from heat. The moment those rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter, making sure each one glistens. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you’d like, and serve them up warm—these may just disappear faster than you expect!

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy finish, brush your warm Garlic Bread Rolls with extra garlic butter and scatter a handful of chopped parsley across the tops. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a little crunch and a burst of flavor—totally optional, but highly recommended for that “fancy bistro” touch.

Side Dishes

These rolls are the ultimate sidekick to nearly any meal. Pair them with classic tomato soup, creamy pastas, hearty stews, or serve them alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. Their garlicky flavor is also right at home with salad spreads—think a fresh Caesar or a zesty Greek salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make a splash, try serving Garlic Bread Rolls in a lined bread basket with the rolls snuggled side by side, steaming hot. For parties, pile them high on a platter with a bowl of extra garlic butter for dipping. You could even slice them in half and use as sliders—fill with cheese and roasted veggies or even thinly shaved ham for next-level snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While these Garlic Bread Rolls are undeniably best fresh, you can store leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to three days. If possible, keep them wrapped up tightly to preserve their softness and keep any aromas from wandering through your kitchen.

Freezing

Need to get ahead for a party or busy weeknight? Let the baked rolls cool completely, then transfer them into a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as wonderful as the day you made them.

Reheating

To bring Garlic Bread Rolls back to their fresh-from-the-oven glory, wrap them loosely in foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through. For speedy single servings, pop them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until soft and warm. If desired, brush with a little more melted garlic butter to refresh their flavor and shine.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just make sure to activate the active dry yeast first by mixing it with the warm milk and a pinch of sugar, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy before proceeding with the recipe. The rest of the process remains the same, although your rise times might be a little longer.

What kind of garlic works best: fresh or jarred?

Fresh garlic really shines here, giving the rolls that bold, authentic flavor. Jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch if you’re in a hurry, but the extra effort of using fresh is worth it for brighter, sweeter notes and an unbeatable aroma.

How do I make sure my rolls come out extra fluffy?

Be careful not to add too much flour! Measure using the spoon-and-level method (or better yet, a kitchen scale), and knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Letting the dough rise fully ensures your Garlic Bread Rolls bake up soft and pillowy every time.

Can these be made dairy free?

Yes, you can swap in plant-based butter and unsweetened non-dairy milk (like soy or oat milk) to make these rolls dairy free, without sacrificing that signature flavor or texture. Just keep an eye on any substitutions to make sure all ingredients suit your dietary needs.

Is it possible to prep the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! Shape the dough into rolls and place them in your baking pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come up to room temperature and rise until doubled in size before baking. This lets you enjoy fresh Garlic Bread Rolls with minimal fuss at meal time!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, there’s nothing quite like the smell of homemade Garlic Bread Rolls wafting from your oven, or the delight of pulling one apart to see its tender, steamy crumb. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine—don’t be surprised if these rolls start getting special requests for every gathering! Give them a try soon and experience just how magical freshly baked, garlicky goodness can be.

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