Sometimes, I bake these rolls just for the smell. The buttery garlic melts into the warm dough, and suddenly the whole kitchen feels like it’s hugging you. Whether it’s a holiday table or just pasta night, these garlic butter bread rolls always feel right at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Bread Rolls
These rolls come out soft, pillowy, and packed with garlicky flavor. They’re brushed with rich herb butter while still warm, so each bite is golden, fluffy, and full of comfort.
Perfect for:
- Holiday dinners
- Pasta nights
- Dipping into soups and stews
They’re beginner-friendly, freezer-friendly, and make-ahead approved. If you’ve never baked with yeast before, this is a simple and forgiving place to start.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dough Essentials
- All-purpose flour: Stick with this for a soft texture
- Instant yeast: No need to proof first just mix it in
- Milk: Whole or 2% gives moisture and richness
- Egg: Adds structure and softness
- Unsalted butter: Melted with garlic for max flavor
- Minced garlic: Sautéed until just golden don’t skip this step
- Granulated sugar: You can also use honey or maple syrup
- Fine sea salt: Balances the flavors
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness
Garlic Butter Topping
- Butter: Melted for brushing
- Garlic: Gently cooked until fragrant
- Parsley: Fresh is best
- Flaky salt: Optional but so good for texture
Ingredient Swaps
- Parsley can be swapped with thyme or oregano (fresh or 1 tsp dried)
- Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a subtle twist
- Using active dry yeast? Let it bloom in warm milk until foamy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Garlic Butter
Melt 4 ½ tbsp butter over low heat. Add 2 tbsp garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2 – Mix the Dough
In your stand mixer bowl, mix flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, egg, and cooled garlic butter. Use the dough hook on low speed. Let it knead for 10–12 minutes until smooth and tacky.
Step 3 – Knead & Shape the Rolls
Once the dough is soft and stretchy, divide it into 12 equal pieces (around 67g each). Roll into balls using your hands.
Step 4 – Rise and Bake
Butter a 9×13 pan and space the dough balls evenly. Cover and let them rise in a warm spot until doubled (1–2 hours depending on your kitchen).
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake for 20–30 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5 – Brush with Garlic Butter
While the rolls bake, prepare your final garlic butter: melt 2 tbsp butter, add 1 tbsp garlic, cook until fragrant, then stir in parsley. Brush the warm rolls right out of the oven. Add flaky salt if you’d like.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term Storage
Let rolls cool completely. Store in an airtight container or ziplock at room temp for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
Cool the rolls, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Make-Ahead Option
Shape the rolls and place them in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temp and allow them to rise before baking the next day.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in a 350°F oven with foil for 10 minutes or microwave 20–30 seconds.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Rolls
- Don’t rush the rise let the dough double
- Use a kitchen scale for even portions
- Uniform rolls bake evenly
- Brushing more butter after baking = more flavor
Garlic Butter Bread Rolls Recipe Card
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Garlic Butter Bread Rolls (Soft, Fluffy & Flavor-Packed)
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
Description
Soft and fluffy dinner rolls packed with garlic flavor and brushed with garlic herb butter; perfect holiday side dish.
Ingredients
4 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp minced garlic
3 1/2 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 cup whole or 2% milk (warmed to 110°F)
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 beaten egg (for brushing tops)
**Garlic Butter Topping:**
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt 4 1/2 tbsp butter and cook 2 tbsp garlic until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt in mixer bowl.
3. Add warm milk, egg, and garlic butter. Knead 10–12 minutes until smooth and tacky.
4. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces (67g). Shape into smooth balls.
5. Place in buttered 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled (1–2 hrs).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush tops with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 20–30 minutes or until golden.
8. While baking, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add 1 tbsp garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in parsley.
9. Brush rolls with garlic butter immediately after baking. Sprinkle flaky salt if desired.
Notes
Make ahead: Refrigerate shaped dough overnight. Let rise before baking.
Storage: Store at room temp 2–3 days in airtight container.
Freezing: Freeze cooled rolls up to 1 month.
Reheating: Oven at 350°F (with foil) or microwave 20–30 seconds.
Substitutions: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar; parsley can be swapped for thyme or oregano.
Use kitchen scale for consistent size.
Brush again with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 87
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
FAQs
Is garlic butter bread healthy?
It’s more of a treat than a health food. However, using fresh ingredients and portion control makes it a lovely side dish.
Is it better to butter rolls before or after baking?
Butter before baking gives shine and color. Butter after baking adds rich garlic flavor. Do both for best results.
What is the bread used for garlic bread called?
Classic garlic bread uses baguette or Italian loaf. These rolls are a softer, fluffier take with built-in flavor.
How to do garlic bread with bread?
Use sliced bread, brush with garlic butter, and toast it in the oven until golden and crisp.
More Such Recipes
You might also love these garlic-packed dishes:
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a satisfying, melty dinner
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn for a buttery skillet meal
- Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese if you love bold, cheesy crunch
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes for a slow-cooked comfort classic
Final Thoughts
These garlic butter bread rolls are more than a side dish they’re the kind of bread that gets passed around twice. They warm up a meal and bring people back to the table. Whether you serve them with soup or spaghetti, don’t forget to slather on that butter while they’re hot.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment or tag me on Pinterest or Facebook.