Easy Garlic Butter Recipes | Soft Dinner Rolls with a Savory, Glossy Finish

Garlic Bread Rolls bring together everything we love about two comfort food favorites: warm, fluffy dinner rolls and rich, garlicky butter. Whether served as a side dish at family dinners, alongside pasta, or as part of a holiday spread, these rolls always disappear fast.

With a golden-brown crust, pillowy soft interior, and a buttery garlic-parsley glaze, these rolls are simple to make from scratch — and even easier if you use a shortcut dough. They’re an irresistible upgrade from standard garlic bread, thanks to their soft texture and individually portioned format.

Homemade Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect for soaking up soups and sauces or enjoying on their own fresh from the oven. This recipe blends bakery-style results with a homey, satisfying flavor that never gets old.

Ingredients Overview

These rolls are made from a soft yeast dough enriched with butter and milk, then glazed with a savory garlic topping after baking. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour

The base of the dough, all-purpose flour creates a soft, chewy roll. For even lighter texture, you can substitute half with bread flour.

Yeast

• Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast both work.

• Active dry yeast requires blooming in warm liquid first.

• Instant yeast can be mixed directly with flour.

Tip: Ensure your yeast is fresh for best rise.

Milk

Whole milk adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Warm (not hot) milk helps activate the yeast and keep the dough soft.

Alternative: Use plant-based milk like oat or almond for a dairy-free version.

Butter

Melted butter goes into both the dough and the garlic topping, adding flavor and softness.

Sugar and Salt

• A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast and adds mild sweetness.

• Salt strengthens gluten and enhances flavor.

Garlic

Fresh garlic cloves or garlic paste are sautéed in butter to form the base of the topping.

Note: Avoid raw garlic — cooking mellows its sharpness.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the topping. Dried parsley works in a pinch but won’t offer the same vibrancy.

Parmesan (Optional)

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a cheesy kick and extra savory flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These garlic bread rolls are made in stages: mixing, proofing, shaping, baking, and glazing.

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer:

• Combine warm milk (about 40°C / 105°F) with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy if using active dry yeast.

• Add melted butter, flour, and salt.

• Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

2. First Rise

• Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

• Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

• Let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Rolls

• Punch down the dough gently to release air.

• Divide into 12 equal portions and roll into smooth balls.

• Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round cake tin with slight spacing.

4. Second Rise

• Cover the tray and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy and touching.

5. Bake

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

6. Make the Garlic Butter

While the rolls bake:

• Melt ¼ cup (60g) butter in a small pan.

• Add 3–4 minced garlic cloves and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes (do not brown).

• Stir in chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.

7. Brush and Serve

• As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush generously with garlic butter.

• Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or sea salt flakes.

Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Softer Rolls: Use a touch of oil or extra butter in the dough.

• Glossy Top: Brush with an egg wash before baking if you prefer a shinier crust.

• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of Italian herbs or garlic powder to the dough itself.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add mozzarella chunks inside each dough ball for gooey centers.

• Herb Rolls: Mix rosemary, thyme, or basil into the garlic butter.

• Pull-Apart Style: Arrange rolls in a bundt pan for a monkey-bread effect.

Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or vegan butter, and plant-based milk.

• Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality gluten-free baking mix designed for yeast breads.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect for countless meals and gatherings. Their individual size makes them easy to portion and serve.

Pair With:

• Pasta Dishes: Spaghetti Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Lasagna.

• Soups: Tomato basil, creamy mushroom, or minestrone.

• Grilled Meats or Roasts: Great alongside chicken, beef, or lamb dishes.

Ideal Occasions:

• Weeknight family dinners

• Holiday feasts (Thanksgiving, Christmas)

• Potlucks or picnics

• Meal prep (freezer-friendly)

Nutritional & Health Notes

These rolls are indulgent but can be part of a balanced meal.

Approximate Per Roll (with garlic butter):

• Calories: 180–220

• Carbs: 25–30g

• Fat: 8–10g

• Protein: 4–5g

To make them lighter:

• Use half whole wheat flour.

• Reduce butter and garlic butter topping slightly.

• Skip cheese or use a lower-fat variety.

Homemade bread means you control the ingredients — no preservatives or additives, just real, comforting food.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make garlic bread rolls ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before baking.

Q2: Can I freeze the baked rolls?

A2: Definitely. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10–12 minutes.

Q3: What’s the best way to make these extra soft?

A3: Add an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough and avoid overbaking. Cover loosely with foil in the last few minutes if browning too quickly.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

Q5: Can I use store-bought dough?

A5: Absolutely! Refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough works well — just portion and proceed with rising and baking.

Q6: What herbs pair best with garlic?

A6: Parsley is classic, but basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are excellent. Use fresh for brightness, dried for deeper flavor.

Q7: How do I make these rolls more fluffy?

A7: Ensure your yeast is active, knead well to build gluten, and allow full rise time. Soft dough and gentle baking help retain fluffiness.

Print