Garlic Bread Rolls

Garlic bread rolls are one of my favorite side dishes to make—they’re soft, buttery, and infused with rich garlic flavor that makes them completely irresistible. I love serving these with pasta, soups, or even just enjoying them warm on their own. They’re simple to prepare and always get rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the goodness of garlic bread, but in a soft, fluffy roll that’s perfect for soaking up sauces. The homemade dough bakes up golden and pillowy, and the garlic butter seeps into every bite. These rolls are easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but special enough for a holiday table. I can even prep the dough ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Warm water or milk

• Active dry yeast

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs

• Olive oil or extra butter for brushing

Directions

1. I start by mixing warm water (or milk), sugar, and yeast in a bowl, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy.

2. Then I add salt, melted butter, and flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it’s smooth and elastic.

4. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

5. Once risen, I punch it down and divide it into equal portions, shaping them into rolls.

6. I arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a sheet pan, then cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.

7. While they rise, I mix melted butter with minced garlic and herbs.

8. I brush the rolls with the garlic butter and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.

9. I brush them with more garlic butter right after they come out of the oven for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 rolls. It takes around 20 minutes to prep, 2 hours to rise, and 20 minutes to bake—about 2 hours and 40 minutes total.

Variations

• I sometimes add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking.

• For a spicier version, I mix red pepper flakes into the garlic butter.

• I’ve used roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, mellow garlic flavor.

• If I’m short on time, I’ve made these with store-bought dough and just focused on the garlic butter.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. I also freeze baked rolls—just cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat from frozen, covered, until hot.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge after the first rise. I just let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls.

What kind of garlic should I use?

I usually use fresh minced garlic, but garlic powder works in a pinch. Roasted garlic is also a delicious option.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, I use instant yeast by mixing it directly with the dry ingredients, and skipping the proofing step with warm water.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

I make sure not to overbake them and always brush them with butter after baking to lock in moisture.

Can I add cheese inside the rolls?

Absolutely. I sometimes tuck a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each dough ball before baking for a cheesy surprise.

Conclusion

Garlic bread rolls are a simple yet satisfying way to elevate any meal. They’re warm, fluffy, and full of garlicky goodness in every bite. Whether I’m serving them alongside a hearty stew or making them the star of a dinner spread, these rolls never fail to impress. Once I started making them from scratch, I never looked back.

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