Best Garlic Bread Rolls – Easy Homemade Recipe

The Coziest Garlic Bread Rolls You’ll Ever Make

There’s something magical about the scent of garlic and butter wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? I remember rainy Sunday afternoons at my grandmother’s house, where she’d pull golden, garlicky rolls from the oven just as the first droplets hit the windowpane. The way the steam would escape when we tore them apart, the melted butter glistening… that’s the kind of food memory I want to recreate for you today.

Ingredients That Make Magic

3 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our pillowy dreams (bread flour works too for extra chew)
1 packet active dry yeast – Our little microbial helpers that make the dough rise beautifully

1 tbsp sugar – Just enough to feed the yeast and create that perfect golden crust
1 tsp salt – The flavor enhancer that makes all the difference
1 cup warm milk – About 110°F – like a cozy bath for the yeast (test on your wrist like baby’s milk!)

1/4 cup softened butter – Unsalted is best so we can control the seasoning
1 egg – Our binding agent that adds richness
6 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh is non-negotiable here, my friends

1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped – The bright green contrast to all that golden goodness
3 tbsp melted butter – For that glorious garlic butter bath (more if you’re feeling indulgent)

Let’s Make Some Garlicky Magic

First, let’s wake up our yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy – like a tiny cappuccino for your dough. This is when I love to take a deep breath and inhale that yeasty, promising aroma.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Using a wooden spoon (or your hands if you’re feeling nostalgic), mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface – I always use my grandmother’s old wooden board for this part.

Now comes the therapeutic part: kneading. Press the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, fold it back, turn, and repeat. Do this for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it sticks to your hands, add just a dusting more flour – we want it tacky but not sticky. When you press a finger into it, the dough should spring back slowly – that’s when you know it’s ready.

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These garlic bread rolls are wonderfully forgiving, but here are a few tricks to make them even better:

Fresh vs. dried herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh parsley or basil will give your rolls a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Cheese lovers: Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking for an extra indulgent touch.

Garlic alternatives: If you’re out of fresh garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove works as a substitute.
Dairy-free option: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version that’s just as delicious.

What to Serve With Garlic Bread Rolls

These golden beauties are the ultimate supporting actor to so many meals:

Classic pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or fettuccine alfredo
Hearty soups and stews – perfect for dipping!
As part of an Italian-inspired antipasto platter

Alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables
Or simply enjoy them warm from the oven with a pat of extra butter

Storage and Reheating Tips

While these rolls are best fresh, here’s how to keep them tasting great:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. For extra crispiness, brush with a little melted butter before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Why are my rolls dense?

This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you’re letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes! Store-bought pizza or bread dough works well in a pinch. Just roll it out, add the garlic butter filling, and proceed with the shaping instructions.

How can I make these spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a delicious kick that pairs wonderfully with the rich garlic flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about pulling a tray of golden, garlicky rolls from the oven. The way the aroma fills your kitchen, the satisfying pull-apart texture, and that first warm, buttery bite – these simple pleasures are what home cooking is all about. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or enjoying one (or three!) as an afternoon snack, these garlic bread rolls are sure to become a regular in your baking rotation. Happy baking, friends – may your kitchen always smell like garlic and happiness!

Garlic Bread Rolls

Author: Trusted Blog

Print Recipe

Description

Soft and fluffy bread rolls infused with garlic butter, perfect as a side dish or snack.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Add flour, salt, and 1 tbsp melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes, then place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape into rolls and place on a baking sheet.
Mix remaining melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush over rolls and sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.