If there’s one comfort food that never fails to delight and bring everyone to the table with eager smiles, it’s these soft, buttery, and wonderfully fragrant Garlic Bread Rolls. This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe combines tender homemade bread with an irresistible garlic butter infusion that makes each bite a little celebration. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, a vibrant salad, or on their own as a snack, these rolls are guaranteed to become a new favorite staple for your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe just right starts with simple, quality ingredients that work together to create that perfect balance of tender softness, rich garlic flavor, and a touch of freshness from herbs. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the yeast that helps the dough rise to the fresh parsley that adds a pop of color and brightness.
- Unsalted butter (4 1/2 tablespoons): Melts into the dough for richness and a tender crumb.
- Minced garlic (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): The star flavor that infuses both dough and finish.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon): Provides the structure to hold your fluffy rolls together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (3 + 1 tablespoons): Adds freshness and a lovely green contrast.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and balances flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Ensures the dough rises beautifully with a soft texture.
- Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall taste, making flavors pop.
- Whole or 2% milk (1 cup, warmed to 110°F): Moisturizes the dough gently and aids yeast activation.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Adds richness, flavor, and helps with dough structure.
- Beaten egg (for brushing): Gives the rolls a gorgeous golden glaze when baked.
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing): Sprinkled on top for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C). Greasing the 9×13 baking pan with butter ensures the rolls won’t stick and helps them develop a beautiful crust as they bake. This simple preparation step gets everything ready to welcome your dough.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter for the Dough
In a small pot, gently melt the butter and cook the minced garlic just until its aroma fills the kitchen. This step is crucial because it unlocks the garlic’s flavor without burning it, which would make the taste bitter. Let it cool slightly so it’s ready to add to the dough.
Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine your dry ingredients—flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt—in your mixer bowl. Then add the warmed milk, egg, and that delicious garlic butter you just made. Kneading for 10 to 12 minutes develops the gluten, creating a dough that’s soft, smooth, and just tacky. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or the rolls will be dense.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls and Let Rise
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions for perfectly sized rolls. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, pinching the bottom to hold its shape, then place them snugly in the prepared pan. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot, doubling in size. This usually takes 1 to 2 hours and is when the magic of fermentation helps produce light, airy bread.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Once the rolls have risen beautifully, brush them with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until they turn a warm golden brown on top. Your kitchen will start to fill with the comforting scent of fresh bread and garlic, signaling the near end of your wait!
Step 6: Prepare the Final Garlic Butter
While the rolls bake, melt the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then mix in the chopped fresh parsley. This finishing touch is what transforms these rolls from good to utterly irresistible, adding an extra layer of buttery garlic flavor that clings perfectly to their warm surface.
Step 7: Brush and Finish
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush this final garlic butter over them and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a delightful crunch. Serve warm and watch how quickly these rolls disappear at the table!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the warm rolls adds a welcoming burst of color and a lovely aroma. If you want to amp up the garlic flavor even more, a light drizzle of olive oil infused with crushed garlic makes for a beautiful garnish too.
Side Dishes
Garlic bread rolls are an ideal partner for just about any meal but especially those with rich sauces or hearty brothy dishes. Try them next to a big bowl of homemade tomato soup, creamy chicken stew, or alongside your favorite pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce. Their soft, buttery texture is perfect for soaking up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the breadbasket! Serve these rolls in a rustic wooden box lined with a linen napkin for a casual farmhouse vibe, or place them in a circular pattern on a large platter to create a pull-apart bread centerpiece. For parties, try slicing them horizontally and filling with fresh mozzarella and tomato slices for mini garlic bread sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these delicious rolls, store any leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They stay delightfully soft for up to two days—perfect for a quick snack or breakfast the next morning.
Freezing
If you want to keep these garlic bread rolls longer, freeze them before baking by shaping the dough balls on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze baked rolls tightly wrapped. They keep well up to 3 months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or so until warmed through. For extra freshness, brush a little garlic butter on top before reheating, and the rolls will taste almost as good as fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute garlic powder if needed. Use about half a teaspoon to one teaspoon for the dough and finishing butter. Fresh garlic, however, provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor for this recipe.
What type of yeast is best for this recipe?
Instant yeast is recommended here because it mixes directly with the dry ingredients and works fast, but active dry yeast works fine as well—just dissolve it in the warm milk first. Both yield soft, fluffy rolls with excellent rise.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
You can make adjustments such as using plant-based butter and substituting the egg with a flax or chia “egg” to keep things vegan. The flavor and texture might vary slightly but will still be deliciously garlicky and soft.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The tops should be golden brown and the rolls should sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! This recipe can be doubled easily. Just be sure to use a larger baking pan or split the rolls into two pans so they have room to rise and bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling these warm, fragrant Garlic Bread Rolls from the oven to brighten up any meal or gathering. This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently soft, buttery, and flavorful bread that invites smiles and second helpings. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious classic that’s bound to become a beloved tradition.
Print
Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with rich garlic butter, making them the perfect savory side or appetizer. Lightly crisp on the outside with a tender interior, they’re brushed with a flavorful garlic parsley butter after baking for an irresistible finish.
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 the tops)
Final Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter for the Dough: In a small pot, melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of butter and add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using.
- Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped parsley, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Add the warmed milk, one large room temperature egg, and the cooled garlic butter mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on low speed for 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and tacky. If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
- Shape the Rolls: Divide the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions, roughly 67 grams each. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pinching the bottom to keep it tight. Place these dough balls evenly into the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Bake the Rolls: Once risen, brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash to encourage browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Prepare the Final Garlic Butter: While the rolls are baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Finish and Serve: After removing the rolls from the oven, immediately brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warmed to approximately 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure it doubles in size effectively.
- If you prefer spicier garlic bread rolls, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level; adjust salt to taste accordingly.
