If you’re searching for a truly irresistible side that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. Imagine pillowy-soft, golden brown rolls infused with a rich, garlicky butter and topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—these rolls are downright magical straight from the oven and sure to earn a spot on your regular rotation. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or a festive holiday feast, this is the bread your friends and family will request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls lies in how accessible the ingredients are—each one plays a critical role in building that ultra-soft texture and bold, buttery flavor. Just a handful of kitchen staples and you’re on your way to bread bliss!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for soft, pillowy rolls with just the right amount of structure.
- Active dry yeast: Gives the rolls their fluffiness and lift, ensuring a light, airy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to enhance flavor.
- Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough while baking.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and makes the bread extra tender and rich.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness to the dough and guarantees that classic buttery flavor.
- Large egg: Contributes to the rolls’ plush texture and helps with browning.
- Unsalted butter (for topping): Combined with garlic, this is what transforms the rolls into something truly special right out of the oven.
- Garlic (minced): The aromatic hero of the topping—fresh is best.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a pop of color and herbal brightness you’ll notice in every bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring the warm milk into a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer). Sprinkle the sugar and active dry yeast over the milk, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know things are good to go when the mixture is frothy and smells a little sweet—this is how you get those ultra-light Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the melted unsalted butter, beaten egg, and salt to your yeast mixture and give everything a quick stir. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed; if mixing by hand, a sturdy wooden spoon and a little muscle do the trick.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Kneading is the secret to creating rolls with that perfect chewy-yet-tender bite. Knead the dough by hand for about 8 minutes (or 5 minutes if using a mixer) until it’s smooth, elastic, and bounces back when poked. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it’s puffed up and doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release any trapped air and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish again and let the dough rise for another 30 to 40 minutes—they’ll get beautifully puffy and fill the pan.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) just before the second rise is finished. Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re a glorious golden brown on top and baked through. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter with the minced garlic in a small saucepan for a minute or two, just until fragrant—this is what makes Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls unforgettable!
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the hot rolls generously with the warm garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve them while they’re warm and pillowy for maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful garnish. A generous brush of garlic butter and a flurry of fresh parsley is classic, but you can get creative—try a pinch of flaky sea salt or a shower of finely grated parmesan for extra oomph!
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are perfect for soaking up creamy soups, mopping up pasta sauces, or complementing a hearty roast. Their buttery, garlicky flavor goes with anything from simple salads to luxurious holiday mains—pure comfort food magic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the rolls in a circular skillet for a pull-apart bread centerpiece, or serve them in a bread basket lined with a cozy napkin to keep them warm at the table. Little ones also love it when you add tiny mozzarella cubes to the center before baking for an extra surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have a few Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls left over, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and moist, perfect for sandwiches or as a snack.
Freezing
To freeze, let the rolls cool, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and can be reheated straight from the freezer for almost-instant comfort food.
Reheating
To revive that “fresh from the oven” magic, loosely wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. If you want, brush with a little extra garlic butter and parsley right before serving for maximum indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Skip the proofing step; simply add it with the dry ingredients and proceed as usual for this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries—dried parsley works in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount and sprinkle sparingly, or try finely chopped chives or basil for a different fresh note.
How can I make these ahead for a party?
You can shape the rolls and let them do their second rise overnight in the refrigerator. Pull them from the fridge an hour before baking to let them warm up and finish rising, then bake as directed for fuss-free entertaining.
Why did my rolls turn out dense?
If your Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are dense, it might be due to expired yeast, not letting the dough rise enough, or adding too much flour. Always check your yeast’s freshness, be patient with rising, and measure your flour with care.
Can I add cheese to these rolls?
Absolutely! Shredded parmesan or mozzarella make delicious additions. Sprinkle cheese on top before baking or tuck a small cube into each dough ball for a melty center surprise.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls from scratch before, this is your sign to go for it—they’re beginner-friendly, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you taste that first warm, buttery bite, you’ll want to make these a staple at all your gatherings. Happy baking!
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Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with a delicious garlic butter flavor. Perfect for any meal or holiday gathering, these homemade rolls will be a hit at the table.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth, then let rise.
- Shape and Bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, and place in a baking dish. Let rise again, then bake until golden.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt butter, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
- Finish and Serve: Brush hot rolls with garlic butter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- These rolls can be made ahead and reheated.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of parmesan to the garlic butter before brushing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
