Name: Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 3 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup whole or 2% milk, warmed to 110°F; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 beaten egg, for brushing the tops; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 14 reviews

If you’re anything like me and adore cozy, warm bread slathered in garlic butter, then you’re going to love this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe. These aren’t just any rolls – they’re soft, fluffy, and infused with the perfect hit of garlic and herbs that will have your kitchen smelling incredible. Seriously, once you make these, you’ll want them on your dinner table every week! So, buckle up and get ready to dive into one of my absolute favorite homemade bread treats.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The garlic butter is cooked just enough to mellow the raw bite but still keeps its vibrant aroma.
Soft, Pillowy Texture: Kneading the dough until smooth and tacky creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Fresh Herbs Boost Freshness: Adding chopped parsley brightens the rolls and gives them a fresh, homemade touch.
Straightforward Technique: Anyone can make these rolls at home with simple ingredients and my easy-to-follow steps.

Garlic Bread Rolls, homemade garlic bread, soft bread rolls, garlic bread ideas, easy bread recipes - A close-up view of soft, round dinner rolls arranged in a 3x3 grid, each roll with a shiny golden brown top that is slightly darker in the center, showing a smooth and glossy texture. The rolls are closely packed, with slightly yellow sides touching each other. They are sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs and minced garlic scattered unevenly on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones. The background is not visible, focusing tightly on the rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s chat about the ingredients in this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe — each one has a job, and together they bring that irresistible flavor and texture you want. For the best results, I always use a kitchen scale, but if you don’t have one, fluffing and spooning the flour gently makes a big difference.

Garlic Bread Rolls, homemade garlic bread, soft bread rolls, garlic bread ideas, easy bread recipes - Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of instant yeast powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing warmed whole milk, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with flaky sea salt, all elements arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: It’s the star in both the dough and the garlic butter topping; unsalted lets you control the salt levels perfectly.
Minced garlic: Fresh is key here – it’s way more flavorful than pre-minced or powders.
All-purpose flour: The base for our dough; measuring correctly ensures the rolls are soft, not dense.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds a lovely pop of green.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the savory ingredients.
Instant yeast: Makes dough rise perfectly without the extra step of proofing, but I’ll share tips if you only have active dry yeast.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
Milk (whole or 2%): Warmed to 110°F, it creates tenderness and richness in the rolls.
Eggs: Add moisture and help with a golden, shiny crust when brushed on top.
Flaky sea salt (for finishing): A sprinkle at the end provides a flaky crunch and bursts of saltiness that I adore.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is – over time, I’ve tried different herbs and even cheese additions. Don’t hesitate to make it yours by dialing up the garlic, swapping parsley for rosemary, or adding a sprinkle of parmesan before baking. It’s your kitchen, so play around!

Herb Swap: I sometimes replace parsley with fresh thyme for a woodsy aroma that pairs well with roasted dinners.
Cheesy Upgrade: Adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar in the dough adds gooey pockets that my family can’t resist.
Garlic Intensity: For a bolder garlic punch, increase minced garlic in the butter—but be mindful not to overpower the dough itself.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat twist that surprises in the best way.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Butter with Garlic Magic

Start by melting 4 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small pot over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until you can’t resist the aroma. Don’t let the garlic brown here — just soften it to awaken those flavors. Then, remove from heat and let it cool while you measure and prepare your other ingredients. This step sets a fragrant foundation for the entire recipe.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients well so they’re evenly distributed. Now add your warm milk (about 110°F) and 1 large room-temperature egg, plus that gorgeous garlic butter you cooled earlier. Using a dough hook on low speed, knead the mixture for 10-12 minutes until the dough looks smooth and feels tacky but not sticky. If it’s too wet to handle, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it behaves nicely. This kneading time really helps develop the gluten, which means fluffy rolls every time.

Step 3: Shape and Proof

Once your dough’s beautifully kneaded, divide it into 12 equal pieces, roughly 67 grams each if you have a scale handy—that way, your rolls bake evenly. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by stretching the dough and pinching the seam underneath so it stays tight. Place these dough balls in a buttered 9×13 pan, spacing them just right to touch once they rise. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean towel and pop it in a warm spot to let the dough double in size. This takes about 1 to 2 hours, so grab a cup of coffee and keep an eye on those dough balls as they puff up like little clouds.

Step 4: Bake and Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). When the dough has doubled, gently brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg to give them that irresistible shiny golden crust. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the rolls are beautifully golden brown on top. Meanwhile, whip up your garlic butter: melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon minced garlic over low heat for a minute or two, stirring in 1 tablespoon chopped parsley once you take it off the heat. Brush this heavenly garlic butter all over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven and, for that finishing touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over them if you like a little crunch and hit of salt. Serve them warm — trust me, you’ll barely have time to plate before everyone’s grabbing one!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Flour Measurement Precision: Using a kitchen scale makes dough consistency foolproof, especially when baking bread.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the dough rise fully ensures those soft, fluffy rolls that make you swoon.
Warm Milk Matters: Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast and cold won’t activate it properly — 110°F is the sweet spot.
Garlic Butter Timing: Brush the garlic butter immediately when rolls are hot to help it soak in deeply, giving you max flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Garlic Bread Rolls, homemade garlic bread, soft bread rolls, garlic bread ideas, easy bread recipes - The image shows close-up soft dinner rolls with a shiny golden-brown top layer brushed with garlic butter and small pieces of chopped green herbs, likely parsley, sprinkled generously. The inside of the roll is fluffy and white with a light and airy texture. The rolls are placed closely together on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The focus is on one roll slightly pulled apart to show its soft inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing these garlic bread rolls with flaky sea salt and an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving—it adds a little pop of texture and lovely color that makes the rolls look as amazing as they taste. Sometimes, I toss a pinch of dried oregano or a light dusting of parmesan cheese on top for a flavor boost.

Side Dishes

These rolls are the perfect companion to hearty soups like tomato bisque or creamy chicken noodle, or alongside a bright, fresh salad. I especially love serving them next to rich Italian dishes or even a cozy beef stew — the rolls are perfect for mopping up all those delicious sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to make these rolls extra special for holiday dinners or parties is to place them in a circular pattern on a round platter, nestled with small bowls of flavored butters or herb-infused olive oils for dipping. It’s super inviting and gets everyone digging right in. Plus, topping some with cheese and herbs before baking turns them into an irresistible garlic pull-apart centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for 2-3 days, perfect for quick snacks or a side with your next meal.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these garlic bread rolls after baking. Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and pop them in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature, then rewarm in the oven to revive that fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers like they’re fresh, I cover the rolls with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through — usually around 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds works too, but the oven method keeps the crust beautifully soft and tender.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast for the Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! If you only have active dry yeast, you’ll need to “proof” it first by mixing it into the warm milk along with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. Then proceed with the recipe as usual—this ensures the yeast is active and your dough will rise beautifully.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

You want to see your dough double in size during the rising phase. A simple test is to gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains and doesn’t spring back immediately, it’s ready to shape or bake. This indicates good fermentation and will lead to fluffier rolls.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, take them out to come to room temperature and let them double in size before baking. This slow rise develops even more flavor and fits well into busy schedules.
How can I make these rolls extra garlicky?

Try adding a bit more minced garlic to the butter mixture, both before kneading and as a brush-on post-bake. Just be careful not to overpower the dough’s texture — start small and adjust to your liking!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe is one I’ve come back to over and over, especially when I want something comforting, homemade, and a little special without a ton of fuss. The way warm garlic butter soaks into the soft rolls — well, it’s pure magic. I’m proud of how easy the recipe is while still feeling like you made something fancy. I can’t wait for you to try it out in your kitchen and fall in love with this buttery, garlicky goodness just like I have. Happy baking, friend!