Perfect Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Garlic Butter Bread Rolls have a way of making any meal feel special, and I’ve got a story to prove it. I remember one Thanksgiving when my oven was packed with turkey and pies, but I still wanted that warm, buttery bread. I whipped up this recipe for easy garlic butter bread rolls, and the aroma that filled my kitchen was pure magic. They turned out so incredibly soft and fragrant, everyone asked for the recipe! These garlic butter dinner rolls are truly a crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles and happy sighs to the table. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

• Incredibly soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
• A delightful savory garlic and buttery flavor that complements any dish.
• Quick prep time makes these homemade garlic butter rolls perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can enjoy fresh bread without breaking the bank.
• Family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will adore.
• The aroma of baking garlic butter dinner rolls will fill your home with warmth.
• Impress your guests with these irresistible homemade garlic butter rolls.
• A versatile side that elevates everything from pasta to roasted meats.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these amazing soft garlic butter rolls recipe. You’ll need the basics for a fluffy dough and then the delicious topping. For the bread dough, we’ll use 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus a bit extra for dusting if needed. The magic of rising comes from 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast. To get the dough started, grab 1 cup (240ml) warm milk, ideally around 110°F (43°C), as this is crucial for yeast activation. You’ll also need 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, which feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness. For richness and binding, we have 1 large egg, at room temperature, and ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted. Finally, 1½ teaspoons salt balances the flavors.

For the irresistible garlic butter topping, melt ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter. Then, stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced nice and fine, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried for convenience). A tiny pinch of salt is optional but adds a nice savory kick.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

1. Step 1: Let’s get this baking party started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents those gorgeous rolls from sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle in your instant yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it gets nice and frothy – that’s the yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic!
3. Step 3: Now, add the melted butter and room temperature egg to the frothy yeast mixture. Give it a quick stir. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix everything together with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough starts to form.
4. Step 4: Time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky to the touch. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes. The dough should feel wonderfully supple.
5. Step 5: Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. You’ll see it puff up beautifully.
6. Step 6: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into 12–15 equal portions. Roll each portion into a neat ball. Arrange these dough balls in your prepared baking dish, spacing them about an inch apart.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish again with the towel and let the rolls rise for another 30–40 minutes. They’ll get nice and puffy – this second rise is key for those super soft textures that make these buttery garlic bread rolls so delightful.
8. Step 8: Once the rolls are puffed, pop the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes, watching them closely. You want them to be lightly golden brown on top. The smell of these buttery garlic bread rolls baking is absolutely heavenly!
9. Step 9: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glorious garlic butter topping. Melt the remaining ¼ cup unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush this fragrant mixture generously over the hot tops. This step truly makes them the best buttery garlic bread rolls!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Want to elevate your baking game? These tips will ensure your garlic butter bread rolls are always a showstopper:

• Use warm milk, not hot, for activating the yeast. Too hot will kill it, and too cool won’t wake it up properly.
• Don’t over-flour the dough when kneading; a slightly tacky dough is perfect for soft rolls.
• Letting the dough rise in a slightly warm place, like a turned-off oven with the light on, speeds up the process.
• Brush the garlic butter on immediately after baking while the rolls are still hot for maximum flavor absorption.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Bread Rolls?

The secret to incredibly soft garlic butter yeast rolls lies in the dough’s moisture content and proper kneading. Using milk instead of water, and a touch of sugar helps create that tender crumb. Don’t skip the second rise; it’s crucial for that light, airy texture. For more baking tips, check out our baking resources.

Can I make Garlic Butter Bread Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the dough, place it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. They’ll still be amazing!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls?

A common pitfall is over-mixing the dough, which can lead to tough rolls. If you find why are my garlic butter rolls flat, it’s likely due to not letting them rise sufficiently. Ensure they double in size before baking for that perfect puff. For more troubleshooting, you can explore our baking guides.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

These golden, soft rolls are incredibly versatile and make any meal feel more special. They are absolutely divine served warm alongside a hearty pasta dish, like spaghetti with marinara. Their buttery, garlicky flavor perfectly complements the acidity of tomato sauces. For a complete meal, consider these garlic butter dinner rolls recipe pairings with a comforting soup or a savory roast chicken. They’re also fantastic with a simple green salad for a light yet satisfying meal. Don’t underestimate their power as the star of your holiday table, soaking up all those delicious pan juices!

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Getting the nutritional breakdown for these delicious garlic butter bread rolls is helpful for planning your meals. Each serving is typically one roll. Here’s an approximate guide:

• Calories: 150-180
• Fat: 7-9g
• Saturated Fat: 4-5g
• Protein: 4-5g
• Carbohydrates: 18-20g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 3-4g
• Sodium: 200-250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your homemade garlic butter rolls. For more information on ingredient sourcing, please see our affiliate disclaimer.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

Keeping these delightful garlic butter bread rolls fresh is easy, ensuring you can enjoy them long after baking. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them into the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for 3–4 days. If you want to keep them for future enjoyment, freezing is your best bet! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This method helps maintain the quality of your best garlic butter rolls recipe. Learn more about proper food storage at the FDA.

Reheating is simple and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven goodness. Wrap individual rolls in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. For an extra burst of flavor, brush them with a little extra melted butter or garlic butter mixture after reheating. This simple step ensures they taste just as amazing as when they were first baked!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Bread Rolls

How do I make garlic butter rolls that are incredibly soft?

Achieving that signature softness in your garlic butter bread rolls is all about the ingredients and technique. Using milk instead of water, adding a touch of sugar, and ensuring you don’t overwork the dough are key. Proper kneading develops gluten for structure, but over-kneading can make them tough. Letting the dough rise adequately, especially the second rise, allows air pockets to form, resulting in that desired fluffy texture. For more on gluten development, you can read King Arthur Baking’s guide.

What are garlic butter bread rolls and why are they so popular?

What are garlic butter bread rolls? They’re essentially soft, fluffy dinner rolls generously brushed with a savory mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and often herbs like parsley, usually after baking. Their popularity stems from their irresistible combination of warm, comforting bread with a rich, garlicky, buttery flavor that complements almost any meal. They’re simple yet decadent, making them a favorite for both everyday dinners and special occasions. You can learn more about the history of bread rolls on Wikipedia.

Can I add cheese to my garlic butter bread rolls?

Absolutely! Adding cheese is a fantastic way to enhance your garlic butter bread rolls. You can mix shredded cheese, like cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella, into the dough before the first rise, or stuff a small amount into each individual roll before shaping. Alternatively, sprinkle cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking. Just be mindful that cheese can affect the rise and browning slightly.

How do I achieve a golden-brown crust on my garlic butter rolls?

To get that perfect golden-brown crust on your garlic butter bread rolls, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature (375°F or 190°C). Brushing the rolls with the garlic butter mixture immediately after they come out of the oven helps them achieve a beautiful sheen and enhances the browning. For an even richer color, you can brush them with a little milk or an egg wash before baking.

Variations of Garlic Butter Bread Rolls You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic garlic butter bread rolls, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! For a richer, more decadent experience, try making garlic butter brioche rolls by adding an extra egg yolk and a bit more butter to the dough – they’ll be unbelievably tender. If you’re looking for a fun shape, consider forming the dough into garlic butter knot rolls; they bake up beautifully and are perfect for pulling apart. For a gluten-free option, use a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and be prepared for a slightly different texture and potentially a shorter rise time. You could also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or some finely chopped chives to the garlic butter topping for an extra layer of flavor!

Print