Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe: Garlic bread rolls are the ultimate comfort food—a perfect combination of soft, fluffy dinner rolls infused with the rich flavor of garlic and herbs. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for pasta, soup, or a hearty meal, these homemade rolls are guaranteed to elevate your dining experience. With their buttery garlic topping and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to make these heavenly garlic bread rolls, along with tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked bread rolls made from scratch.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Packed with fresh minced garlic in the dough and topped with a garlic herb butter, these rolls are bursting with flavor.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the perfect combination of ingredients and proper kneading, these rolls are irresistibly soft.
- Versatile Side Dish: These garlic bread rolls pair beautifully with almost any meal, from Italian classics to hearty soups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these garlic bread rolls, gather the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring)
- 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)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch pan. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.
2. Make the Garlic Butter for the Dough
In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool while you measure out the other ingredients.
3. Mix the Dough Ingredients
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, egg, and cooled garlic butter mixture. Using a dough hook attachment, knead on low speed until the dough becomes smooth and soft, about 10–12 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable.
4. Shape the Rolls
Divide the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions (about 67 grams each for accuracy). Roll each portion into a smooth ball by pinching the bottom seam together. Place the dough balls into your prepared baking pan.
5. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—this typically takes about 1–2 hours.
6. Preheat Your Oven
Once the rolls have risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
7. Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg to give them a golden sheen after baking. Bake for 20–30 minutes or until the tops are beautifully golden brown.
8. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
While the rolls are baking, melt the butter in a small pot and add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in chopped parsley.
9. Brush and Serve Warm
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush them with the garlic butter topping. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Rolls
- Measure Ingredients Correctly: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to avoid dry or dense rolls.
- Activate Yeast (if needed): If using active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, activate it first by mixing it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy before adding it to your dough mixture.
- Knead Properly: Kneading is key to achieving soft and fluffy rolls. The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- Allow Enough Rise Time: Be patient during the rising process—it’s essential for light and airy rolls!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
- Freezing: Once baked and cooled completely, store the rolls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. Reheat before serving.
- Make Ahead: To save time, shape the rolls and place them in your baking pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and double in size before baking the next day.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour will result in denser rolls. For best results, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour (50/50 ratio).
Q: How do I reheat garlic bread rolls?
A: Cover the rolls with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 10 minutes). Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds.
Q: Can I skip the egg wash?
A: The egg wash gives the rolls their golden-brown color but can be skipped if needed. Instead, brush with melted butter before baking for a softer finish.
Q: What can I serve with garlic bread rolls?
A: These rolls pair wonderfully with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, soups such as tomato or minestrone, or even as sliders for sandwiches!
Final Thoughts
Homemade garlic bread rolls are a must-try recipe for any garlic lover or bread enthusiast! With their soft texture and rich garlic herb flavor, they’re sure to become a staple at your dinner table. Whether you’re baking them fresh for a family meal or preparing them ahead of time for a special occasion, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. So grab your apron and start baking—your kitchen will smell amazing in no time!
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Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1-2 hours (rising)
- Yield: ~2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: 12 rolls
- Method: Bread
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls packed with garlic flavor! These homemade rolls are made with fresh garlic in the dough and brushed with garlic herb butter after baking. Perfect for any dinner table, these rolls are easy to make and even better served warm.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
4 1/2 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon (434g) all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup (225g) whole or 2% milk, warmed to 110°F
1 large egg (55g), room temperature
1 beaten egg, for brushing the tops
For the Garlic Butter:
2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan and set it aside.
Make the Garlic Butter for the Dough:
In a small pot, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool while measuring the other ingredients.
Mix the Dough:
In a stand mixing bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, egg, and cooled garlic butter. Knead on low speed with the dough hook until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky, about 10-12 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until workable.
Shape the Rolls:
Divide the kneaded dough into 12 equal portions (about 67g each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball, pinching the bottom to seal the seam. Place the dough balls in the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake the Rolls:
Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Make the Garlic Butter Topping:
While the rolls are baking, melt the butter in a small pot and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat and stir in the parsley.
Finish the Rolls:
When the rolls come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Measuring Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour or, for best results, use a kitchen scale.
- Using Active Dry Yeast: If substituting active dry yeast for instant yeast, activate it first by stirring it into the warm milk with a sprinkle of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Storage: Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Cool rolls completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Make-Ahead: Shape the rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let them double in size at room temperature before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: ~190
- Sugar: ~7g
- Sodium: ~4g
- Fat: ~3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~25g
- Trans Fat: ~1g
- Carbohydrates: ~3g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Protein: ~220mg
- Cholesterol: ~40mg
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