Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe - Soft Buttery Dinner Rolls

Homemade Garlic Bread Rolls are a game-changer for any meal! This recipe delivers incredibly soft, buttery dinner rolls infused with the irresistible aroma and flavor of garlic and herbs. Far superior to store-bought versions, these rolls are perfect for mopping up sauces, serving alongside pasta, or simply enjoying on their own. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these show-stopping rolls that are surprisingly easy to make.

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Key Ingredients for Garlic Bread Rolls

To create these delightful Garlic Bread Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
- ¼ cup Warm Water (105-115°F/40-46°C): Crucial for activating the yeast.
- 1 cup Warm Milk (105-115°F/40-46°C): Adds richness and softness to the dough.
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 Large Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances flavor.
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (divided): Start with 3 ½ cups and add as needed.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted: For a rich, tender dough.
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened: Essential for the buttery flavor.
- 4-5 cloves Garlic, minced: Adjust to your garlic preference.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped: Adds fresh flavor and color.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: A classic herb pairing with garlic.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt: To enhance the flavor of the garlic butter.
- Pinch of Black Pepper: For a subtle kick.

How to Make Garlic Bread Rolls: A Taste of Homemade Comfort

These Garlic Bread Rolls are a triumph of simplicity and flavor, making them an ideal choice for any home cook. Their pillowy softness, coupled with a golden crust bursting with garlicky herb butter, truly makes them a standout. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can achieve such delicious results at home. With a preparation time of approximately 30 minutes, plus rising and baking, these rolls are an achievable delight for any meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and about 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates your yeast is active.
Combine Wet Ingredients: To the activated yeast mixture, add the warm milk, remaining granulated sugar, egg, and melted butter. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Form the Dough: Gradually add 3 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour and the salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed with a dough hook (or with a sturdy spoon and then your hands) until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Continue kneading the dough for 7-10 minutes on medium-low speed (or by hand on a lightly floured surface) until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining ½ cup of flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
First Rise: Lightly grease a clean large bowl with cooking spray or a little oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set aside.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on your desired roll size. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Second Rise: Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Apply Garlic Butter (before baking): Take about half of the prepared garlic herb butter and gently brush it over the tops of the risen rolls.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C).
Apply Garlic Butter (after baking): As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the remaining garlic herb butter generously over the hot rolls. This allows the butter to melt and soak into the warm bread, infusing it with maximum flavor.
Serve: Let the Garlic Bread Rolls cool slightly in the pan before serving warm. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

You are going to absolutely adore these Garlic Bread Rolls! The main highlight is undeniably their incredible softness combined with that irresistible golden-brown crust, all infused with a generous slather of aromatic garlic and herbs. Making these at home is a fantastic cost-saver compared to specialty bakery rolls, and the flavor is simply unparalleled.

The rich, herby garlic butter that melts into every crevice, creating pockets of savory goodness, truly sets these rolls apart. Each bite is a testament to fresh ingredients and homemade love – a far cry from the often dense and bland store-bought options. If you enjoy the tender crumb of a classic dinner roll but crave a more robust flavor, these are perfect! For another delightful bread recipe, why not check out our Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia? Don’t wait – whip up a batch of these glorious rolls tonight and elevate your dinner experiences!

What to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls With:

These versatile Garlic Bread Rolls are the perfect accompaniment to a wide array of dishes. Their buttery, garlicky flavor makes them an excellent pairing:

Pasta Dishes: They are a natural complement to any pasta, from a rich Lasagna to a simple Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, perfect for soaking up delicious sauces.
Soups and Stews: A warm bowl of Tomato Soup, a hearty Minestrone, or a creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup are all elevated with a side of these rolls.
Hearty Main Courses: Serve them alongside Roast Chicken, a juicy Steak, or even a comforting Beef Stew for a complete and satisfying meal.
Salads: A light Caesar Salad or a crisp Garden Salad gains depth and texture when served with these savory rolls.
As an Appetizer: Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce or a simple olive oil dip for an easy and impressive starter.

Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Bread Rolls:

Yeast Activation is Key: Always ensure your water is the correct temperature (105-115°F/40-46°C) for activating the yeast. Water that is too hot will kill it, and water that is too cold won’t activate it properly, leading to dense rolls. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it’s best to start with a new packet.
Don’t Over-Flour: When kneading, resist the urge to add too much flour. A slightly sticky dough will yield softer rolls. Add flour gradually, just enough so the dough is manageable and pulls away from the bowl.
Warm Rising Environment: A warm, draft-free place is crucial for successful rising. If your kitchen is cold, preheat your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside with the door slightly ajar.
Even Sizing: For consistently baked rolls, try to divide and shape your dough into pieces of equal size. A kitchen scale can be helpful here.
Generous Garlic Butter: Don’t be shy with the garlic herb butter! Brushing it on before and after baking ensures maximum flavor saturation and a beautiful, shiny crust.
Adjust Garlic and Herbs to Taste: Feel free to slightly increase or decrease the amount of garlic based on your preference. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for different flavor profiles.
Avoid Overbaking: Overbaked rolls can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown. An instant-read thermometer should register around 200°F (93°C) when inserted into the center of a roll.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

These Garlic Bread Rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, proper storage will help extend their freshness:

Room Temperature: Store cooled garlic bread rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be aware that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture slightly, making them a bit firmer.
Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours before reheating.
Reheating (Oven): For best results, reheat rolls in an oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and softened. You can brush with a little extra melted butter before reheating for added moisture.
Reheating (Microwave): While convenient, the microwave can sometimes make rolls chewy. If using, reheat in short bursts (15-30 seconds) until warm.
Reheating (Air Fryer): Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispy exterior and soft interior.

Final Thoughts:

These homemade Garlic Bread Rolls are more than just a side dish; they’re an experience. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, and the soft, buttery, garlicky flavor will have them reaching for seconds (or thirds!). This recipe is a testament to the joy of baking from scratch, offering a comforting and undeniably delicious addition to any meal. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love!

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Garlic Bread Rolls FAQs:

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight (up to 24 hours). The cold temperature will slow down the rising process. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before punching it down and proceeding with shaping.

Q2: What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
A2: You can substitute dried parsley, but use about 1 tablespoon instead of 2, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs always provide the best flavor and color in garlic butter, so use them if possible.

Q3: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A3: Yes, instant yeast can be used. You can typically mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing. However, for this recipe, you can still proof it as directed to ensure it’s active. The rise times might be slightly shorter with instant yeast.

Q4: My rolls didn’t rise. What went wrong?
A4: The most common culprits are inactive yeast (check the expiration date), water that was too hot or too cold during activation, or a cold rising environment. Ensure your water is within the specified temperature range and your rising spot is warm and draft-free.

Q5: Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
A5: You can experiment with dairy-free milk alternatives (like unsweetened almond or soy milk) and dairy-free butter substitutes. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it should still yield delicious results.

Q6: How can I make them extra garlicky?
A6: Feel free to add an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the garlic herb butter. You could also brush a little extra melted butter (without garlic) onto the rolls immediately before serving if you want more buttery flavor.

Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe – Soft Buttery Dinner Rolls