Soft, fluffy, and packed with rich garlic flavor – these Garlic Bread Rolls are the ultimate dinner roll upgrade! Made with fresh garlic right in the dough, then brushed with warm garlic herb butter straight out of the oven, every bite is buttery, garlicky, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re serving them for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or alongside pasta, soup, or salad, these homemade rolls are always a hit. Think of them as dinner rolls meets garlic bread – the best of both worlds!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Bread Rolls
- Soft & fluffy – bakery-style texture with a buttery garlic finish.
- Garlic lover’s dream – fresh garlic in the dough + garlic herb butter brushed on top.
- Holiday favorite – perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Make ahead friendly – refrigerate overnight or freeze for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flour – all-purpose works best here.
- Instant yeast – quick and easy, no activation needed (active dry works too if activated in warm milk first).
- Milk – whole or 2% for richness.
- Butter – use a good-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic gives the rolls their signature flavor.
- Parsley – adds freshness and color (sub with thyme or oregano if desired).
- Sugar & salt – balance the flavor.
- Eggs – enrich the dough and help with structure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make garlic butter:
Melt butter in a saucepan and cook the garlic until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix the dough:
In a stand mixer, combine flour, parsley, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, egg, and garlic butter. Mix until a soft, tacky dough forms. Knead until smooth (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Shape the rolls:
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball by cupping your hand around it and rolling in a circular motion. Place in a greased 9×13 pan.
4. Let them rise:
Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1–2 hours.
5. Bake:
Brush rolls with an egg wash and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Add finishing touch:
While still hot, brush with more garlic herb butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm!
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Best eaten the same day but keeps 2–3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze (baked): Let rolls cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Freeze (unbaked): Shape rolls, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw, rise, and bake as directed.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Tips for the Best Garlic Rolls
- Use a kitchen scale for accuracy – ensures even-sized rolls.
- Don’t rush the rise – fluffy rolls need time!
- Brush generously with garlic butter after baking for maximum flavor.
- For variety, try adding parmesan cheese to the garlic butter topping.
Serving Ideas
These rolls are perfect alongside:
- Pasta dishes like Creamy Alfredo or Lasagna
- Soups & stews
- Holiday dinners with turkey or roast beef
- As a base for mini sliders
⭐ Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls infused with garlic and parsley, topped with garlic butter for the ultimate side dish!
Prep Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 4 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1 large egg (room temp)
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Make garlic butter base and set aside.
- Mix dough ingredients in stand mixer until smooth and tacky.
- Divide into 12 balls, place in greased 9×13 pan.
- Let rise until doubled, 1–2 hrs.
- Brush with egg wash, bake at 350°F for 20–25 mins.
- Brush with garlic herb butter and serve warm.