The Best Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

If you’re a fan of soft, golden bread with all the savory, buttery garlic flavor you could possibly dream of, you need to try The Best Garlic Bread Rolls. Imagine pillowy rolls that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, brushed with rich garlic butter, and topped with a confetti of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These rolls are warm, cozy, and absolutely impossible to stop eating. This recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, holiday feasts, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create The Best Garlic Bread Rolls, but each one truly makes a difference. From the fresh parsley to the fluffy dough, every component brings its own magic to the table, ensuring fantastic flavor and texture in every bite!

• Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, this creates the base for both the dough and garlic butter topping.
• Minced garlic: For that deeply aromatic, unmistakable garlic kick in every fluffy swirl.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls, giving you soft yet sturdy bread every time.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Adds color, freshness, and a pop of herbaceous flavor that brightens the rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Just the right touch to help the yeast activate and bring gentle sweetness.
• Instant yeast: Quick and reliable, this gets your dough to rise perfectly every single time.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances every flavor while balancing out the richness of the butter and garlic.
• Whole or 2% milk (warmed): Keeps the bread extra tender and helps with a golden finish.
• Large egg (room temperature): Helps give the dough structure and color, and makes the rolls delightfully fluffy.
• Beaten egg (for brushing): Creates that classic shiny crust on top of the bread rolls.
• Flaky sea salt (for finishing): Optional but highly recommended for a gourmet touch and little pops of saltiness.

How to Make The Best Garlic Bread Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lightly buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan. This not only prevents sticking but guarantees those lovely golden edges that make The Best Garlic Bread Rolls so utterly enticing.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Melt the butter in a small pot, then add the minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant, stirring so nothing browns too quickly! Take it off the heat and allow it to cool slightly; this garlicky base will infuse the dough with flavor from the inside out.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your mixing bowl, combine the flour, chopped parsley, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in the warmed milk, room temperature egg, and that cooled garlic butter mixture. Use a dough hook to knead everything on low speed. Be patient here—the dough usually comes together within 10 to 12 minutes, turning smooth and just a bit tacky. If things get too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable and elastic.

Step 4: Shape and Let Rise

Divide the dough into 12 even pieces (using a kitchen scale helps, but eyeballing it works too!). Shape each into a tight ball, pinching the seam underneath to keep them smooth on top. Arrange the balls in your prepared pan and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let them rise in a warm spot until doubled, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. Watching them puff up is so satisfying!

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Once the rolls are nearly ready and have risen beautifully, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Giving your oven enough time to heat up ensures the rolls bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Uncover the rolls and brush the tops with beaten egg. This helps create that bakery-style shine when they come out of the oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the tops are a deep, luscious golden brown and your kitchen smells like garlic heaven.

Step 7: Make and Brush with Final Garlic Butter

While the rolls are baking, whip up a quick second batch of garlic butter: melt butter in a pot with minced garlic, letting it cook until just fragrant, then stir in the chopped parsley. When the rolls are piping hot from the oven, immediately brush this mixture all over them and finish with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

How to Serve The Best Garlic Bread Rolls

Garnishes

The Best Garlic Bread Rolls absolutely shine when brushed hot with that extra garlic butter and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. If you’re in the mood to impress, sprinkle over a bit more flaky sea salt for extra crunch and bursts of flavor—you’ll love the contrast!

Side Dishes

Nothing makes a bowl of soup, a generous pasta plate, or a saucy casserole better than a side of these rolls. Their buttery, garlicky goodness soaks up stews, chilis, and saucy mains beautifully, turning an everyday meal into something memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing them open and stuffing with melty mozzarella for a cheesy pull-apart appetizer, or serve them in a basket lined with a pretty napkin for dinner parties. You can even bake them as mini sliders with your favorite fillings—the possibilities are endless when you start with The Best Garlic Bread Rolls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have any rolls left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful—just make sure they’re fully cool before storing to avoid any sogginess.

Freezing

The Best Garlic Bread Rolls freeze like a dream. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in foil or place in a zip-top freezer bag, and store for up to three months. When that garlic bread craving hits, you’ll be just a few minutes away from fresh rolls again!

Reheating

To revive the magic, simply reheat the rolls in a 325°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for 15 seconds. If you like, brush with a little more garlic butter before serving for maximum impact.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! Just activate the active dry yeast in warmed milk (let it bloom for about 5 to 10 minutes) before mixing it into your ingredients as you would with instant yeast.

Do these rolls work with gluten-free flour?

You can try a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different. Add extra butter and check for doneness sooner, as gluten-free dough tends to bake faster and denser.

How long do these rolls stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, The Best Garlic Bread Rolls will stay soft and delicious for two days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and shaped the night before, then covered tightly and refrigerated. The next day, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking as usual.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

If you’re out of fresh parsley, dried works in a pinch—just use half the amount. Or experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, chives, or even thyme for new flavors in The Best Garlic Bread Rolls!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try The Best Garlic Bread Rolls, you’ll want to make them every time you crave a little comfort or a special side for dinner. Their pull-apart softness, savory garlic aroma, and farmhouse-style flavor make them utterly unforgettable—so roll up your sleeves and give them a try. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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