These Soft and Fluffy Garlic Butter Rolls are what bread dreams are made of! Light, airy, and brushed with a rich blend of melted butter, fresh parsley, and garlic, they’re a savory showstopper for any dinner table. With a delicate golden crust and pillowy center, these rolls are irresistible straight from the oven.
Perfect for cozy family dinners, holidays, or Sunday meal prep, these garlic rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They pair beautifully with everything from hearty soups to roasted meats or can simply be devoured on their own with a slather of butter. This easy yeast roll recipe is foolproof—even beginner bakers will shine!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
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1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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3½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 large egg
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add the egg, softened butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
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Brush the rolls generously with the garlic butter mixture.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
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Remove from oven and brush with more garlic butter if desired. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Rising Time: 90 minutes | Cooking Time: 22 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 12 rolls
The Story Behind Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
There’s something universally comforting about the smell of fresh bread wafting from the oven—especially when it’s enriched with garlic and butter. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a warm, tender, and flavorful addition to any meal. Their rich aroma and soft, pillowy texture make them an instant favorite at family dinners, special occasions, and holiday feasts. Rooted in the classic tradition of homemade bread-making, these rolls combine the old-world charm of yeast bread with the bold, savory character of garlic and fresh herbs.
These rolls are more than just a side dish—they’re often the first thing to disappear from the dinner table. The balance between the mellow sweetness of a soft dinner roll and the sharp, aromatic intensity of garlic makes them irresistible. Whether served beside a roasted chicken, a hearty bowl of soup, or even a fresh green salad, Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls enhance every bite of the meal.
Why These Rolls Stand Out
Unlike ordinary dinner rolls, Garlic Butter Rolls take things to the next level with a generous brush of melted butter infused with freshly minced garlic and chopped parsley. This infusion not only gives the rolls a rich, indulgent flavor, but also a beautifully golden and glistening crust once baked.
What makes them unique is their fluffy, cloud-like texture. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, which ensures softness and moisture even after they cool. The yeast leavens the rolls slowly, giving them time to develop that classic bakery-style chewiness and depth of flavor. These aren’t your average grocery store rolls—they’re homemade, aromatic, and full of character.
Baking Tips for Perfect Rolls Every Time
Though these garlic rolls are easy enough for beginner bakers, a few key tips will ensure the best results every time. First, proof the yeast properly. The yeast should foam in warm milk with a bit of sugar—if it doesn’t, the rolls won’t rise as expected. Temperature matters: the milk should be warm, not hot, or it could kill the yeast.
Kneading the dough is another important step. It’s what gives the rolls their structure and soft texture. Kneading can be done by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, but it should always result in a smooth, elastic dough. Over-kneading can make the rolls tough, while under-kneading can leave them dense.
The final rise is also crucial. Letting the shaped rolls rise until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size gives them that fluffy finish. And lastly, brushing the garlic butter on both before and after baking locks in moisture and ensures deep flavor.
Variations to Try
While the classic garlic-parsley butter combo is hard to beat, there are countless ways to adapt these rolls to suit your tastes or the theme of your meal. Here are a few fun variations:
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Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking for extra indulgence.
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Herbed Rolls: Mix dried Italian herbs or rosemary into the butter mixture for a more complex flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a touch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
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Sweet & Savory: For a contrast of flavors, try adding a hint of honey to the dough and pair it with the savory garlic butter.
Each of these versions maintains the soft texture and beautiful rise of the original recipe while offering a unique twist to suit different palates.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
These rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They shine as a side dish at dinner but are also ideal for brunch, potlucks, or any kind of celebratory feast. Pair them with:
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Roast turkey or chicken for holiday meals
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Creamy soups like potato leek, tomato basil, or mushroom bisque
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Hearty stews or chili
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A charcuterie-style board with spreads and cheeses
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Breakfast with eggs and bacon, turning them into mini breakfast sandwiches
You can also slice them and fill with savory spreads, pulled pork, or grilled veggies for an easy slider or appetizer idea.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These rolls are perfect for prepping in advance. The dough can be made and refrigerated overnight for a slower rise, which can actually improve the flavor and texture. Just shape and let them rise before baking when ready to serve.
Leftover rolls (if you have any!) keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a resealable bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a warm oven to revive the soft texture and reactivate that delicious garlicky aroma.
If you want to freeze them before baking, shape the rolls, let them rise slightly, then freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise fully before putting them in the oven.
Pairing Garlic Rolls with Drinks
While these rolls are not typically the focus of a beverage pairing, they complement many drinks beautifully. With a savory profile, they go well with wines like a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon, sweet iced tea, or even a light ginger ale.
If you’re including them as part of a more robust dinner, consider matching the beverage to the main course but keep in mind the garlicky flavors of the rolls—they tend to work especially well with white wines and lighter reds like Pinot Noir.
Why You’ll Love Making These Rolls at Home
Making bread from scratch is deeply satisfying. The process of watching yeast activate, dough rise, and golden rolls emerge from the oven is a joy for any home cook. With minimal ingredients and a touch of patience, Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls transform a meal from simple to memorable.
The aroma alone—of melting butter, sizzling garlic, and freshly baked bread—is enough to make mouths water. There’s also something extra special about serving something homemade that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
For families, this recipe can become a weekend tradition or a go-to for gatherings. Kids can help shape the rolls, and adults can enjoy the flavor and comfort they bring.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are more than just a side dish—they’re a warm, inviting, and flavorful staple that adds comfort to any table. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or as part of a cozy brunch spread, they always leave an impression. With their soft texture, rich garlic butter flavor, and golden finish, these rolls are a reliable favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
They’re proof that with just a few pantry staples and a bit of time, you can create something truly special at home—something that brings people together, fills the room with warmth, and satisfies both heart and hunger.