Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving warm, soft bread slathered in garlicky goodness, then this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how these rolls turn out – pillowy soft on the inside with a golden, buttery crust that’s loaded with fresh garlic flavor. Whether you’re serving these at family dinners, holiday feasts, or just craving a comforting snack, these rolls make every meal a little extra special. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything you need to make these irresistible rolls at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find and work beautifully together to create those dreamy rolls. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials and why each piece matters.

• Whole milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Active dry or instant yeast: The magic behind the rise and fluffiness of the rolls.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning for that perfect crust.
• All-purpose flour: Creates structure; I always recommend fresh, high-quality flour for best results.
• Large egg: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
• Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and bringing out flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Used in the dough for a tender crumb—it’s best softened to room temperature.
• Egg yolk and milk (for egg wash): Gives the rolls that gorgeous glossy finish.
• Salted butter (for garlic butter): Melted and infused with garlic for spreading.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Finely chopped to release that punchy garlic aroma and flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Adds just the right amount of color and freshness to the butter topping.

Variations

One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak the recipe to fit different occasions or dietary needs, and you’ll find that experimenting is half the fun!

• Herb-infused butter: Sometimes, I swap parsley for rosemary or thyme in the garlic butter—adds a lovely twist that’s perfect for holiday meals.
• Cheesy rolls: I like to sneak in shredded parmesan or mozzarella inside the dough for a gooey surprise in every bite.
• Whole wheat twist: For a heartier version, swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just know it might take a bit longer to rise.
• Vegan version: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the milk and egg with plant-based alternatives and flax egg—it’s wonderful once you get the kneading right!

How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming your milk to around 110°F—warm but not hot, so you don’t kill the yeast. Stir in the yeast until it blooms, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then add the sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter all to the same bowl. I love using a large bowl here for plenty of room to mix. Stir everything together until you get a shaggy dough. Don’t worry if it looks rough now—that first mix is just the beginning.

Step 2: Knead the Dough Until It’s Smooth

Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and get ready to knead! Use your palms with a gentle push-pull motion for about 15 minutes. Yes, fifteen minutes might sound like a workout, but trust me, it’s the secret to that soft, elastic dough. The dough will start off sticky, and that’s completely normal—resist the urge to add more flour. You’ll know you’re done kneading when you can stretch a little piece of dough thin enough to see light through it without tearing—a neat little trick called the windowpane test.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise Until It Doubles

Pop your dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it tightly with cling wrap, and let it rise in a warm, humid spot. I usually place mine in the oven with just the light on—perfect cozy environment. It takes about 90 minutes for the dough to double in size. This rise is so important because it develops the flavor and creates that dreamy texture.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls Like a Pro

Once risen, punch the dough down gently and turn it onto a clean surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. I love this part because rolling each piece into a tight, smooth ball feels almost therapeutic. I place the dough on one flat palm and twist it with the other, curling my fingers slightly to create surface tension—this helps avoid wrinkles or cracks on the rolls, giving them that perfect round look after baking. Arrange the balls evenly on a parchment-lined 9×13” baking sheet.

Step 5: The Egg Wash and Second Rise

Mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk for your egg wash. Brush it generously over your rolls to give them a shiny golden finish once baked. Place them back in a warm spot for their second rise—this one takes about 30 to 45 minutes, just until the rolls look puffy and inviting.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (conventional) about 20 minutes before you plan to bake. Give the rolls one last brush with egg wash, then bake for 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they have that perfect shiny, golden crust—and your kitchen smells like heaven.

Step 7: Whip Up the Garlic Butter and Glaze the Rolls

While the rolls are baking, melt the salted butter in a small saucepan and add finely chopped garlic. Sauté for just 1 to 2 minutes to soften the garlic but not burn it. Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley. Now, the best part: brush the warm garlic butter all over the rolls right out of the oven. This step is what takes these rolls from amazing to absolutely addictive.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top of the rolls just before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the garlic butter perfectly. Sometimes, a light dusting of parmesan also works wonders if you want a cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

These rolls are my go-to side for hearty meals like roasted chicken, beef stew, or a big bowl of homemade soup. During the holidays, I often pair them with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, and my family always asks for seconds. They’re also fantastic alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the rolls in a pull-apart style on a round baking dish with an extra drizzle of garlic butter over the top. Another fun idea is to stuff the rolls with small pieces of cheese or herbs before baking for a delightful surprise inside. Presentation-wise, a basket lined with a cozy linen and garnished with fresh herbs makes these rolls look bakery-fresh and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay soft for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag.

Freezing

I often freeze these rolls to save time on busy days. Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing their softness. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a couple of hours.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover rolls back to life, I warm them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, I microwave a roll covered with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it or they get rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because nothing beats the smell of fresh bread mingling with garlic butter filling the house. It’s one of those recipes that comforts your soul and makes any meal feel like a celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every warm, buttery bite as much as my family and I do. Once you make these, I’m sure you’ll keep coming back to this easy, delicious classic.

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