Easy Garlic Bread Rolls – Soft, Buttery Dinner Favorite

There’s something about Thanksgiving prep that always gets me. Maybe it’s the way the kitchen smells when butter hits warm bread, or how everyone huddles in the kitchen “just to help,” but mostly for a taste. These Easy Garlic Bread Rolls capture that cozy chaos. They’re soft, golden, and brushed with garlicky herb butter that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

These rolls are everything a good side should be: soft, buttery, and full of flavor.

The dough comes together with simple pantry staples. You’ll mix, shape, and brush your way to a tray of warm, fluffy dinner rolls that pair perfectly with any holiday spread.

They also freeze beautifully. So yes, you can make them ahead and skip the last-minute stress.

And that golden garlic butter finish? It’ll have people reaching for seconds before the turkey even hits the table.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough Essentials

• Whole milk: Use it warm (not hot!) to activate the yeast and give the rolls a richer taste.
• Instant yeast: Helps the rolls rise quickly and stay pillowy inside.
• Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and lightly sweeten the dough.
• Egg: Adds structure and richness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted into the dough for a soft crumb.
• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level for the right texture.
• Salt: Balances all the flavors.

Garlic Herb Butter

• Unsalted butter: Melted and ready to soak into the warm rolls.
• Minced garlic: Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Parsley & rosemary: Bright, earthy, and optional depending on what you have.
• Pinch of salt: Helps carry the flavor through each bite.

How to Make Easy Garlic Bread Rolls

Step 1 – Make the Dough

Start by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in your mixer bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Then add in the egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Use your dough hook on low until everything combines.

Step 2 – First Rise

Knead the dough on medium-low for about 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should feel soft and elastic.

Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour. It should double in size.

Step 3 – Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball.

Arrange them in a greased 9×13” baking dish. Leave a little room between them to rise.

Step 4 – Second Rise & Bake

Cover again and let them rise for 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and your kitchen smells like heaven.

Step 5 – Make and Brush with Garlic Butter

While the rolls bake, melt your butter and stir in garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt.

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. The hot bread will soak it right up.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls

• Use whole milk: It gives the dough that soft, slightly sweet richness you want in a holiday roll.
• Check your yeast: If it doesn’t foam in the first step, your yeast might be too old.
• Don’t overheat the milk: Too hot and it’ll kill the yeast. Aim for just warm to the touch.
• Brush while hot: This is how you lock in that garlic butter flavor and keep the tops shiny and soft.
• Freeze and reheat: Bake, cool, and freeze. Then warm them in the oven right before serving.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temp for up to three days.

To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap in foil or airtight bags. They’ll keep for up to a month.

To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave gently with a damp paper towel for extra softness.

FAQs

More Such Recipes

Looking for more cozy, garlic-forward favorites?

Try these easy weeknight hits and holiday sides:

• Our creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes is pure comfort.
• These garlic butter air fryer steak bites make the perfect protein pairing.
• You’ll also love roasted green beans with garlic and parmesan on your Thanksgiving table.
• Or try this classic garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet for a simple, hearty dinner.

Easy Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Print

Final Thoughts

These Easy Garlic Bread Rolls belong at your table. They’re warm, soft, and flavorful in all the right ways.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a soup night in sweatpants, these rolls bring the kind of comfort that reminds us why we gather.

If you try them, tag me or share your photos! I’d love to see them on Pinterest or Facebook.