There is something truly irresistible about warm, soft bread infused with the bold flavors of garlic and fresh herbs. This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe brings together fluffy, tender dinner rolls drenched in fragrant garlic butter, making it a perfect companion to any meal or an indulgent snack on its own. With a golden crust sprinkled by flaky sea salt and the vibrant touch of parsley, these rolls promise to delight your taste buds every single time you bake them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make the magic happen in this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that gives tenderness to the dough to the fresh parsley that adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Unsalted butter (4 1/2 tablespoons): Provides a rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor critical for the dough and topping.
- Minced garlic (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): This brings the unmistakable garlicky aroma and taste—fresh and pungent is best.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon): Acts as the sturdy base for the rolls, giving structure and chew.
- Chopped fresh parsley (3 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): Adds color and a bright herbal lift to balance the garlic’s richness.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
- Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic agent that makes your rolls rise soft and lofty.
- Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor without overpowering.
- Milk, warmed to 110°F (1 cup): Creates a tender crumb and activates the yeast perfectly.
- Large egg (room temperature): Offers richness and structure to the dough.
- Beaten egg, for brushing tops: Gives the rolls a gorgeous golden shine when baked.
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing): Adds a delightful crunch and finishing touch to your rolls.
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Garlic Butter
Start by lightly buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch pan—this prevents sticking and helps with even baking. Melt butter and sauté minced garlic for just 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that delectable aroma, then let it cool while you get other things ready.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In your stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt for a well-rounded flavor base. Add the warm milk, a room temperature egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture. Knead on low speed using a dough hook for about 10-12 minutes until the dough feels smooth, soft, and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable but still tender.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Using a kitchen scale makes this easy and accurate—about 67 grams each. Form each piece into a smooth ball by pinching the bottom seam tightly; this ensures a visually appealing rise and shape. Place them evenly spaced in your prepared pan.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let your rolls rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until they’ve doubled in size. Watching these soft dough balls puff up is truly satisfying!
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Egg Wash
Get your oven ready at 350°F (180°C). Brush the tops of the risen rolls gently with beaten egg to ensure a glistening, golden finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your rolls for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the tops should be beautifully golden but not overly darkened.
Step 7: Final Garlic Butter Brush and Serve
While baking, melt additional butter with garlic and parsley for a luscious topping. Once they come out of the oven, brush this fragrant garlic butter generously over each roll and sprinkle the flaky sea salt. Serve them warm to enjoy the full burst of flavors and soft texture.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little more flaky sea salt right before serving enhances both the look and taste. You can also add a pinch of grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with soups, hearty stews, or a fresh salad. Their garlic butter richness complements Italian dishes like pasta or a vibrant tomato-based sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin or arrange them on a wooden board surrounded by dipping sauces like marinara or herbed olive oil to elevate your bread basket game for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap them tightly to keep moisture in and avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls individually or as a batch before baking. Wrap well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. For that fresh-baked touch, brush with a little additional garlic butter before warming.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor and aroma in this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe, but if you must, garlic powder can work—use about one teaspoon added to the dough and a little in the butter mixture. Just keep in mind fresh garlic has a fresher, brighter taste.
Is it okay to substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour?
Yes, bread flour will give a chewier texture and potentially a higher rise due to its higher protein content. Either flour works well, but all-purpose keeps the rolls tender and soft, which is what we want here.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
You can substitute dairy butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk alternative warmed to the right temperature. Replace eggs with flax eggs or another vegan substitute. The texture might vary slightly, but still delicious!
Do I have to let the rolls rise twice?
This recipe only requires one rise after shaping. The yeast does the heavy lifting, creating soft and fluffy rolls. You get a simpler process without losing the light texture.
Why is flaky sea salt recommended for finishing?
Flaky sea salt adds a pleasant crunch and bursts of saltiness on top, contrasting beautifully with the soft rolls and garlic butter. Regular table salt won’t offer the same texture or visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is the kind of dish that warms both your kitchen and your heart. Whether you’re pulling them fresh from the oven for weeknight dinners or serving guests during special occasions, these rolls never fail to impress. Give it a go, and I promise they’ll become your new favorite go-to bread recipe.
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Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Description
These Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with flavorful garlic butter and fresh parsley. Perfectly golden and brushed with an aromatic garlic butter glaze after baking, they make an irresistible side for any meal or a delicious snack on their own. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, these rolls take about an hour and 50 minutes from start to finish, including rising and baking time.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 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 tops)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the rolls from sticking, then set it aside for later use.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small pot, melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic releases its fragrance, then remove from heat to cool while measuring the other ingredients.
- Mix and Knead Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Add warm milk at 110°F, one large room temperature egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture. Using a dough hook on low speed, knead until smooth, soft, and tacky, about 10-12 minutes. If dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Shape Dough Balls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (approximately 67 grams each for accuracy). Shape each into a smooth ball by pinching the seams at the bottom. Place the balls evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- First Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) once the dough is near the end of rising.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While the rolls bake, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small pot. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
- Brush Rolls and Serve: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Measure flour accurately by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly to avoid dense dough.
- Use a kitchen scale to portion the dough evenly for consistent roll sizes and baking.
- You can use whole or 2% milk as preferred; warming the milk to 110°F is important for yeast activation without killing it.
- Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free, warm spot to ensure proper fermentation and rise.
- For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan or herbs to the dough or topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
