Garlic Bread Rolls

Soft, buttery, and packed with irresistible garlic flavor, these Garlic Bread Rolls are the kind of side dish that can turn an ordinary meal into something truly special. With a pillowy, homemade dough infused with fresh garlic and herbs, then brushed generously with garlic butter straight from the oven, each roll practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, soup, or a Sunday roast, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

These golden, fluffy rolls have all the comforting aroma of garlic bread but in a soft, tear-apart form. They’re easy to make from scratch, require simple pantry ingredients, and the dough is beautifully enriched with butter, milk, and egg — giving you the softest crumb you can imagine.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Every family dinner needs that one dish everyone reaches for without hesitation — and for many of us, that’s garlic bread. But rather than serving the usual sliced loaf, I wanted to create something softer, fluffier, and more homemade: rolls that rise high, bake beautifully golden, and soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness.

This recipe is adapted from the homemade dinner rolls we grew up making for special occasions. Adding garlic and parsley to the dough itself — and then finishing with a glistening brush of garlic butter — gives them an aromatic, bakery-style touch that fills your kitchen with warmth.

These Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect for:

• Sunday dinners with roast chicken or beef.
• Serving alongside lasagna or spaghetti.
• A cozy holiday spread (think Thanksgiving or Christmas).
• Or even as a snack on their own with marinara sauce for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture: Enriched dough and warm milk create cloud-like rolls that stay tender for days.
• Double garlic flavor: Fresh minced garlic in both the dough and butter topping ensures every bite bursts with savory aroma.
• Simple ingredients, big payoff: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen — flour, butter, milk, and garlic.
• Versatile side dish: Works with nearly any meal, from Italian pastas to hearty stews.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight for easy baking the next day.
• Restaurant-quality flavor at home: These taste like something you’d get at a fine Italian eatery, fresh from the oven.

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the exact ingredient list, measured precisely for perfect results. This recipe makes 12 soft, golden rolls — ideal for a family meal or a dinner party.

For the Rolls

• 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See notes on measuring)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup whole or 2% milk, warmed to 110°F
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 beaten egg, for brushing the tops before baking

For the Garlic Butter

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Tools & Equipment Needed

To achieve bakery-quality rolls at home, you’ll need a few kitchen basics:

• 9×13-inch baking pan (metal or glass)
• Stand mixer with dough hook (or strong arms for hand kneading)
• Small saucepan for melting butter and garlic
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry brush for the egg wash and garlic butter
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
• Kitchen scale (optional but highly recommended for portioning dough)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set aside. This prevents sticking and ensures the rolls bake evenly.

Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic

In a small saucepan, melt 4 1/2 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic — you want its mellow sweetness, not bitterness. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while preparing your other ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine:

• 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon flour
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Add the warmed milk (1 cup), 1 egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-low and knead for 10–12 minutes until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.

Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable but still elastic and slightly tacky to the touch. Avoid adding too much — you want soft rolls, not dense ones.

Step 4: Divide and Shape

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Cut into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under and pinching the seam at the bottom.

Arrange the balls evenly in the prepared baking pan, leaving a little space between each one for rising.

Step 5: First Rise

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours. They should look puffy and fill the pan almost completely.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the tops of the risen rolls with beaten egg for a shiny golden crust.

Bake for 20–30 minutes, until the tops are deep golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

While the rolls bake, prepare the finishing butter. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic butter. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt for that final gourmet touch.

Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Tips & Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Measure accurately: Spoon and level your flour or use a kitchen scale. Too much flour = dense rolls.
• Warm but not hot milk: Aim for about 110°F — too hot and it can kill the yeast.
• Use room-temperature egg: Cold eggs can slow the yeast activity.
• Don’t rush the rise: The dough needs time to double; patience pays off.
• Brush butter immediately: The steam from the rolls helps the butter soak in for maximum flavor.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the dough.
• Herb Butter Twist: Swap parsley for basil, rosemary, or thyme.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the garlic butter.
• Garlic Knots: Use the same dough, roll into ropes, tie into knots, and bake.
• Mini Rolls: Divide dough into 24 smaller portions and bake 15–18 minutes.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These rolls are the definition of comfort: soft and buttery inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and infused with the warmth of garlic and herbs. The parsley adds a subtle freshness, balancing out the richness of the butter.

Best Pairings

Serve these rolls with:

• Creamy pasta dishes (Alfredo, Carbonara, or Baked Ziti)
• Tomato-based dishes like Lasagna or Spaghetti Bolognese
• Soups such as Tomato Basil or Creamy Potato Soup
• Roasted meats and stews

Their mild garlicky flavor complements a wide variety of savory main courses, making them a versatile staple on your table.

Nutritional Overview

Each roll (based on 12 servings) is approximately:

• Calories: 180–200
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g

They’re vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made nut-free. To make them dairy-free, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

These rolls are perfect for preparing in stages:

• Make ahead (overnight): Shape the rolls, place in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise to room temperature before baking the next day (about 2 hours).
• Freeze after baking: Cool the baked rolls completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Activate it first by stirring into the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy before mixing with the flour.

2. Why did my rolls turn out dense?
You may have added too much flour or not kneaded long enough. Proper gluten development and correct measurement are key.

3. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh gives the best flavor, but you can substitute ½ teaspoon garlic powder per tablespoon of minced garlic in a pinch.

4. How can I make them vegan?
Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and skip the egg wash (brush with oil instead).

5. How long do they stay fresh?
They’re best the day of baking but will keep 2–3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily double everything for two pans of rolls — perfect for parties or holidays.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time	Description
Prep	20 minutes	Mixing ingredients and shaping dough
First Rise	1–2 hours	Until doubled in size
Bake	20–30 minutes	Until golden brown
Garlic Butter	5 minutes	Melt, infuse, brush
Total Time	~1 hour 50 minutes	From start to finish

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm in the pan or transfer to a bread basket lined with a napkin.
• Brush with extra garlic butter right before serving for shine and aroma.
• For parties, sprinkle with Parmesan and a touch of dried parsley for visual appeal.
• Serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping as an appetizer.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella between the dough balls before baking.
2. Garlic Parmesan Rolls: Sprinkle Parmesan on top of the egg wash before baking.
3. Rosemary Garlic Rolls: Replace parsley with rosemary for a woodsy, aromatic twist.
4. Stuffed Garlic Rolls: Tuck small cubes of mozzarella or cream cheese inside each dough ball before shaping.

Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic & Parsley

Garlic

Garlic is the heart of this recipe. Look for firm, tight bulbs with no sprouting. Fresh garlic gives a stronger, cleaner flavor than pre-minced or jarred.

• Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place — not the fridge.
• Tip: If you want a milder garlic flavor, sauté it gently until just golden, not brown.

Parsley

Parsley adds freshness and color. Use flat-leaf (Italian) parsley for the best flavor.

• Storage: Wrap in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate.
• Tip: Chop just before adding to preserve its vibrant green color and aroma.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Let the dough rest after kneading for 10 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
• Use warm milk, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
• If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in the oven with the light on — the gentle warmth speeds up proofing.
• For extra glossy rolls, brush with butter immediately after baking and again just before serving.
• To test if your rolls are baked, tap one gently — it should sound hollow.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerator: Not recommended — refrigeration can dry out bread.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled rolls up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Unbaked Dough: Freeze shaped rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, let rise, and bake as usual.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	190 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	220 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, nut-free. Can be adapted for dairy-free or vegan diets.

Conclusion

Homemade Garlic Bread Rolls are the kind of recipe that brings people together — warm, fragrant, and impossible to resist. Each soft roll is packed with buttery garlic flavor and the freshness of parsley, making it the perfect complement to any meal.

Whether you’re making them for a special dinner, a cozy night in, or simply because your kitchen smells amazing when you bake, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again because nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade bread pulled straight from the oven.

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