There’s something unforgettable about the smell of fresh garlic bread rolls baking in the oven. The golden tops, the buttery aroma, and the soft pull-apart layers make them a favorite at any table. This recipe for garlic bread rolls takes the familiar flavors of garlic butter and folds them into fluffy homemade bread rolls. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or want an easy side for pasta night, these rolls promise the perfect mix of comfort and flavor.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Bread Rolls
These garlic bread rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with savory butter flavor in every bite. They’re versatile enough to serve with soups, pastas, or even as sliders. In addition, the recipe is straightforward, so you’ll feel confident baking them even if you’re not a bread pro. With the balance of tender texture and rich garlic butter, they’re sure to become your go-to side for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients for Soft Garlic Rolls
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp |
| Warm milk (110°F) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Substitutions for Garlic Butter Rolls
You can swap warm milk with warm water if needed, though milk adds tenderness. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch. Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a dairy-free version. Fresh parsley adds brightness, but dried parsley or oregano provide a different depth of flavor. As a result, these swaps allow flexibility while still keeping the rolls soft and delicious.
Step-by-Step Garlic Bread Roll Method
Making garlic bread rolls at home is simple when you break it down into a few easy steps. From activating the yeast to brushing on the garlic butter, each stage builds flavor and texture for soft, golden rolls.
- Activate the Yeast
First, mix warm milk and sugar with yeast. Let it sit until foamy and bubbly.
- Make the Dough
Next, combine flour, salt, butter, and the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled.
- Shape the Rolls
Divide the dough into 12 pieces, roll them into balls, and place in a greased pan. Let them rise again.
- Bake and Finish
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then brush with garlic butter and sprinkle parsley over the warm rolls.
Pro Tips for Fluffy Dinner Rolls
For extra soft garlic bread rolls, don’t rush the rising times, let the dough fully double. In addition, use a kitchen thermometer to keep the milk at 110°F; hotter liquid can kill the yeast. Brush garlic butter on rolls right after baking so it soaks in. If you want crispier tops, bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle flaky salt just before serving for a flavor boost.
Variations & Substitutions for Garlic Rolls
For gluten-free rolls, use a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them dairy-free, swap butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread. For a vegan twist, replace milk with almond or oat milk and ensure the butter substitute is vegan. In addition, to add protein, incorporate shredded cheese inside the dough. On a budget, you can skip fresh parsley and use pantry spices like garlic powder or dried basil. For more inspiration, try Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing.
Serve Garlic Bread Rolls With
These garlic bread rolls pair beautifully with pasta dishes, creamy soups, roasted chicken, or a fresh garden salad. They’re also perfect alongside chili, grilled steak, or even used as a base for sliders. For example, they make an excellent match for a warming bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup.
Storage & Reheat Garlic Rolls
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 8 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds per roll. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. In addition, reheat frozen rolls in the oven until warm through, ensuring food-safe internal temps above 165°F as recommended by the USDA. Learn more about garlic nutrition benefits from the NIH.
Nutrition for Garlic Butter Rolls
Each roll has about 180 calories with 6g fat, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g protein. They contain around 2g sugar, 210mg sodium, and 1g fiber. These numbers are estimates and may vary by ingredient brands and portion sizes. For more health insights, check USDA Nutrition Database.
FAQs
Yes, you can par bake rolls. Bake them until lightly golden but not fully done, about 12–15 minutes. Cool, wrap, and freeze. When ready to serve, bake frozen rolls at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through and browned on top. This method works well for planning ahead for parties or holiday meals.
The most common mistakes are using too much garlic, under-seasoning, or baking at too high a temperature. Overloading with garlic can create bitterness, while skipping salt results in bland bread. In addition, baking too hot can brown the outside before the inside finishes. Stick with balanced seasoning and moderate heat for success.
Hawaiian rolls often include pineapple juice, which adds natural sweetness and a soft texture. Some recipes also use honey or brown sugar for depth of flavor. As a result, this subtle sweetness is what makes them distinct from standard dinner rolls, giving them a richer taste and golden color.
Bake garlic rolls at 375°F for about 20 minutes. The tops should be golden brown and the internal temperature at least 190°F for fully baked bread. If rolls brown too quickly, tent with foil. Finally, always test one roll in the center of the pan to ensure even baking.
More Like This
Try Homemade Mustard Recipe to pair with breads, or Easy Healthy Salad Ideas for a fresh side. You’ll also enjoy Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing during holidays. Finally, don’t miss Roasted Tomato Soup for a cozy dinner companion.
Print
Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft garlic bread rolls brushed with butter, garlic, and parsley. Perfect with pasta, soups, or paired with Hawaiian rolls.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Activate yeast with warm milk and sugar, let foam.
- Mix with flour, salt, and butter, knead dough, rise until doubled.
- Shape dough into 12 rolls, rise again.
- Bake 20 minutes at 375°F, brush with garlic butter and parsley.
Notes
- Brush garlic butter on warm rolls for best flavor.
- In addition, freeze par baked rolls to save time later.
- Try pairing them with our Easy Garlic Bread Recipe or Fluffy Dinner Rolls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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If these garlic bread rolls made your mouth water, save this recipe to Pinterest for next time. Share it with friends, leave a comment, and come back whenever you’re craving soft, buttery bread fresh from the oven.