Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Introduction

Few things can elevate a meal the way freshly baked bread does, and these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the perfect example. Soft, fluffy, and brushed with golden garlic butter, they are the ultimate side dish for just about any meal. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday spread, a hearty soup, or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls bring a comforting homemade touch that no store-bought bread can match.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. The dough is light and airy, yet the garlic butter topping adds rich flavor and a bakery-style finish. It’s a recipe that fills the house with the irresistible smell of fresh bread, instantly making any meal feel special. I also love how versatile it is—you can serve these rolls as is, stuff them with cheese, or even use them as sliders.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Homemade comfort food: Fresh bread is unbeatable, and these rolls prove it.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves warm, garlicky rolls—kids and adults alike.
• Flexible: Perfect for everyday meals or holiday feasts.
• Easy to make ahead: They freeze beautifully and reheat well.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time (active): 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per Roll: ~180–200 calories
• Cuisine: American / European-inspired
• Course: Bread / Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Pinch of salt

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the dough and let it rise until doubled.
2. Shape into rolls and let rise again.
3. Bake until golden brown.
4. Brush with garlic butter and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Make the Dough
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
   • Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
   • Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls
   • Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a greased baking pan (or lined with parchment).
5. Second Rise
   • Cover the rolls lightly and let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Make Garlic Butter
   • While rolls are baking, melt butter in a small pan. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in parsley and salt.
8. Finish
   • Remove rolls from the oven and immediately brush with warm garlic butter. Serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve these rolls warm in a bread basket at the table.
• Pair with soups, stews, pastas, or holiday mains like roast turkey or beef.
• Use them as sandwich buns for sliders or mini burgers.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a kitchen scale for evenly sized rolls.
• Don’t overheat the milk—too hot will kill the yeast.
• Brushing with garlic butter while hot helps flavor seep in better.
• For extra golden rolls, brush the tops with egg wash before baking.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan inside the dough balls before baking.
• Herb Rolls: Mix dried Italian herbs directly into the dough.
• Spicy Rolls: Add red chili flakes to the garlic butter topping.
• Sweet Rolls: Swap garlic butter for honey butter glaze.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days (reheat before serving).
• Freezer: Freeze baked rolls (without garlic butter) for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then brush with fresh garlic butter.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook
• Baking sheet or 9x13-inch baking pan
• Pastry brush (for butter)
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are the definition of homemade comfort—soft, pillowy bread brushed with aromatic garlic butter that practically melts in your mouth. They’re easy to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to steal the show at your dinner table. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again for both everyday meals and special occasions.