Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

ByJulia
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 3 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love warm, buttery, garlicky bread fresh from the oven, then this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These rolls bake up soft and fluffy with just the right cheesy garlic punch that makes them irresistible at any meal. Trust me, whether you’re serving them alongside dinner or sneaking bites straight from the baking sheet, you’re going to want to keep this recipe in your back pocket. Let me walk you through exactly how to nail these every time—and share some little tips I’ve picked up along the way!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Each ingredient plays a starring role—from the savory Parmesan to the punchy granulated garlic, making every bite packed with taste.
  • Quick & Easy Prep: You’ll appreciate how these rolls come together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
  • Light, Fluffy Texture: The dough strikes a perfect balance thanks to minimal kneading and carefully proofed yeast, resulting in that soft, pillowy crumb you want.
  • Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls are equally at home beside soup, pasta, or a holiday feast, making them a go-to recipe you’ll reach for time and again.
Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls, cheesy garlic bread, fluffy dinner rolls, homemade bread, easy bread recipe - A close-up of a woman's hand holding a soft, golden-brown dinner roll with a fluffy and light inside texture. The roll’s top is shiny and slightly crusted with a sprinkling of salt. Small green parsley flakes are visible on the torn part of the roll. In the blurred background, more dinner rolls sit in a white baking dish lined with parchment paper, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe uses simple pantry staples you probably already have, with a couple of flavorful twists. These ingredients work together to create a tender dough bursting with savory richness and a beautiful golden crust.

Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls, cheesy garlic bread, fluffy dinner rolls, homemade bread, easy bread recipe - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm water, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of instant yeast, a small white ceramic bowl of canola oil, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded parmesan cheese, and a few fresh sprigs of parsley arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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
  • Warm Water: The perfect temperature (95-105 degrees) wakes the yeast gently for a reliable rise without killing it.
  • Granulated Sugar: A bit of sweetness helps feed the yeast and balances the savory flavors.
  • Yeast: Instant or platinum yeast works wonders to give that soft, airy texture.
  • Canola Oil: Keeps the rolls moist and tender without weighing them down.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
  • Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough for softness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for structure, creating a light crumb when mixed right.
  • Melted Butter: Used to brush both before and after baking for a luscious, golden finish.
  • Granulated Garlic: Delivers that unmistakable garlic zing without overpowering.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Shredded or grated, it melts beautifully to add savory depth.
  • Parsley: A fresh herbal note that brightens every bite.
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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 playing around with this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or who I’m feeding. Feel free to adjust the herbs or swap out the cheese to make these rolls uniquely yours.

  • Variation: One reader shared swapping the water for milk and the egg for fat-free Greek yogurt, and she still got fantastic fluffy rolls. It’s a great way to add a little extra tang and richness!
  • Herb Mix: Instead of just parsley, try mixing in rosemary or thyme to complement heartier mains like roast chicken.
  • Garlic Level: If you’re a garlic fanatic like me, sprinkle some extra granulated garlic on top before baking for an extra kick.
  • Cheese Swaps: Try sharp cheddar or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy vibe that still melts perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Proof Your Yeast Like a Pro

Start by mixing your yeast with warm water and sugar in a large bowl. I usually aim for water around 100°F—just warm enough to feel cozy without being hot. Let it sit for 2 to 5 minutes until it bubbles and foams on top; that’s your yeast waking up and ready to do its work. If it doesn’t foam, it’s worth trying a fresh batch of yeast before moving on.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once your yeast is bubbly, add in the oil, salt, egg, and most of your flour. Mix until it’s combined—if the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but don’t go overboard or the rolls will get dense. I’ve found that mixing in a stand mixer saves some effort and develops the gluten beautifully, but it’s totally doable by hand too.

Step 3: Shape & Let Rise

Divide the dough into 16 even pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. I like to keep my hands a little flour-dusted to prevent sticking but avoid adding too much. Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and find a warm spot for them to rise—my fireplace hearth is perfect if the kitchen’s chilly. Let them puff up for about 5 to 10 minutes, just until you see a little rise.

Step 4: Butter, Garlic, Cheese, and Bake

Brush each roll with melted butter, then sprinkle on the granulated garlic, Parmesan, and parsley evenly. This last step seals in that amazing flavor we’re after. Pop the rolls in a 375°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and heavenly smelling.

Step 5: Final Butter Finish

Right after the rolls come out of the oven, brush them once more with melted butter for that extra shine and richness. This small step really lifts the flavor and makes them irresistibly soft on the outside.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

  • Proper Proofing: Don’t rush the yeast activation—warm water at 95-105°F activates yeast best. I learned the hard way that water that’s too hot kills the yeast, so use a thermometer if you’re unsure.
  • Minimal Kneading: This dough doesn’t need hours of kneading; overworking can make it tough. Just enough to bring it together and develop light gluten is perfect.
  • Butter Twice: Brushing melted butter both before and after baking seals in softness and adds irresistible flavor—don’t skip it!
  • Even Roll Sizes: Weighing or dividing dough evenly helps rolls bake uniformly. My secret for pro-looking rolls is to use a kitchen scale or just eyeball with careful measuring cups.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls, cheesy garlic bread, fluffy dinner rolls, homemade bread, easy bread recipe - The image shows a tray filled with twelve golden-brown bread rolls, arranged in three rows of four. Each roll is shiny and soft with a slightly rounded top, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and a light dust of white flour or cheese. The bread rolls appear fluffy and freshly baked, sitting snugly next to each other in a gray metal baking pan. The background is a white marbled surface, and there is a soft focus on the rolls in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to garnish these rolls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a tiny pinch of extra Parmesan right after baking—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top can completely elevate the experience, especially if you like a little texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with almost any comfort dish. My favorites are classic tomato basil soup, creamy mac and cheese, or a hearty beef stew for a cozy meal. For lighter fare, they’re perfect alongside a fresh salad with zesty vinaigrette or alongside roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls in a flower shape on a round tray, brushing butter between the rolls as they bake to give a pull-apart effect. Another easy presentation is serving them warm in a rustic bread basket lined with a cute napkin—guests always love that warm fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature, and they keep fresh for about two days. If you want to keep them soft, a quick reheat wrapped in foil goes a long way.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver with these rolls! After baking and cooling, I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

When I’m ready to enjoy frozen rolls, I let them thaw at room temperature and then warm them for 5-7 minutes in a 350°F oven, wrapped in foil to keep the moisture in. Brushing them with a little melted butter before serving brings back that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

  1. Can I use milk instead of water in this Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe?

    Absolutely! Using warm milk instead of water adds richness and a slightly softer texture. One reader replaced the water with milk and swapped the egg for Greek yogurt and still got fantastic results. Just be sure the milk is warm (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast.

  2. Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

    Dense rolls usually result from not enough rising time, water that’s too hot or cold killing the yeast, or overworking the dough. Make sure your water is between 95-105°F, allow the yeast to proof until bubbly, and don’t over-knead the dough. Also, dividing rolls evenly ensures consistent baking.

  3. Can I make this dough ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight, covered tightly. Take them out an hour before baking to come to room temperature and rise a bit, then proceed with brushing butter and baking.

  4. What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?

    Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped well to maintain freshness, then reheat in the oven wrapped in foil for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe has definitely earned a permanent spot on my recipe list—not just because it’s quick and easy, but because it never fails to impress everyone around my table. There’s something so comforting about those warm, garlicky rolls melted with Parmesan and butter, and I hope you’ll love baking (and eating) them as much as I do. Give it a try next time you want to wow your family or guests with minimal fuss and maximum yum!

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Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 rolls
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These 30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with garlicky, cheesy flavor. They are quick to make with a simple yeast dough that requires minimal kneading, perfect for a delicious homemade bread side in just half an hour.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 1¼ cups warm water (95-105 degrees)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp yeast (instant or platinum)
  • ⅓ cup canola oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour

Topping Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp granulated garlic
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)
  • 2 tsp parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick liner and set aside to use later.
  2. Proof Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water (95-105 degrees) with granulated sugar and yeast. Allow the mixture to proof for approximately 2-5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  3. Make Dough: Add canola oil, salt, egg, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until the ingredients are combined, adding a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  4. Shape Rolls: Separate the dough into 16 equal pieces and shape each piece into a roll. If desired, knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for about 5 minutes to develop gluten for fluffier rolls.
  5. First Rise: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and let them rise in a warm place for about 5-10 minutes. A warm spot like near a fireplace works well.
  6. Add Toppings: Brush the risen rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle with granulated garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley evenly over the tops.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) during the rising time.
  8. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Final Touch: Once baked, spread additional melted butter over the rolls before serving to enhance flavor and softness.

Notes

  • You can substitute the water with milk and replace the egg with a heaping tablespoon of fat-free Greek yogurt for variation with great results.
  • This dough requires minimal kneading but kneading lightly for 5 minutes on a floured surface can help create lighter, fluffier rolls by developing gluten.
  • The ideal water temperature for proofing yeast is between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid killing the yeast; higher temperatures can be risky.
  • If using a stand mixer, the mixing action is usually sufficient to develop gluten; however, in different climates or elevations, extra hand kneading may be necessary.
  • A video tutorial for a similar 1-hour dinner roll recipe is available for additional guidance on shaping and making rolls.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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