Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about fresh, warm dinner rolls, right? Now, imagine those rolls brushed with rich garlic butter—oh yes, I’m talking about Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls. Soft, pillowy, and utterly irresistible, these rolls will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just because you deserve a delicious treat, these rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Trust me, they’ll steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

If you’ve ever baked dinner rolls before, you know the satisfaction of pulling them out of the oven, golden brown and smelling like heaven. But when you add garlic butter? Well, that’s a whole other level. Here’s why you’re going to love these rolls:

Buttery and Garlic-Infused

The garlic butter glaze takes these rolls from basic to next-level. It infuses the soft rolls with flavor in every bite, making them as savory as they are comforting.

Soft, Pillowy Texture

The texture is everything. These rolls are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. Seriously, they practically beg to be torn apart and devoured with every meal.

Quick and Easy

Even though they’re homemade, these rolls are surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can have fresh rolls on the table in no time. No fancy skills needed!

Versatile

These rolls are so much more than just a side dish—they can be served with soups, pasta, salads, or even used to make mini sandwiches. They’re perfect for any meal, any time.

Homemade Goodness

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of serving homemade bread. These rolls will fill your kitchen with warmth, and the smell will have everyone eagerly waiting for the first bite.

Ingredients

Making Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is so easy, and you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand! Here’s everything you need:

Active Dry Yeast

The yeast helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their fluffy texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.

All-Purpose Flour

The base of the dough, providing structure and that soft, chewy interior we all love.

Sugar

Just a little sweetness to balance out the savory garlic butter and activate the yeast.

Salt

To season the dough and bring out the flavors.

Warm Milk

The milk adds richness to the dough, helping to create that soft, pillowy texture.

Unsalted Butter

Butter makes everything better—especially in rolls! It adds flavor and helps make the dough tender.

Eggs

Eggs enrich the dough, contributing to the soft texture and golden color.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is key here—grated or minced. It will add that irresistible aroma and flavor to the butter that coats each roll.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a slight herby freshness that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked rolls? Here’s how to make these Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and ensures your rolls rise perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, followed by the melted butter and eggs. Stir until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are touching each other.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

While the rolls are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 8: Brush the Rolls with Garlic Butter

Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. The warmth of the rolls will soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then serve them warm and enjoy! They’re perfect on their own or alongside your favorite meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 220 calories
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5 hours
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

These rolls are perfect with pretty much anything, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your meal:

With Soup or Stew

Serve them alongside your favorite soups or stews. They’re perfect for dunking in a creamy tomato soup or a hearty beef stew.

With Pasta Dishes

Pair them with a big bowl of pasta—think spaghetti, fettuccine alfredo, or lasagna. The buttery garlic flavor complements those rich sauces perfectly.

With Salad

Serve them with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness. The softness of the rolls and the freshness of the salad make a great contrast.

As a Snack

These rolls are irresistible on their own. Serve them as a snack or appetizer, and watch them disappear before your eyes!

For Sandwiches

Use these rolls to make mini sandwiches! They’re the perfect size for sliders, and you can fill them with anything from roasted meats to vegetarian fillings.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make Ahead

You can prepare the dough ahead of time! After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate them overnight for a slower rise. The next day, simply let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Freezing Rolls

These rolls freeze beautifully. Once baked, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Adjust Garlic Flavor

If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic to the butter mixture! You can also add garlic powder to the dough for extra garlic flavor throughout the rolls.

Use Different Herbs

While parsley is classic, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A1: Yes! Bread flour will give your rolls a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well.

Q2: How long do I need to let the dough rise?
A2: The dough needs to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

Q4: Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
A4: Yes, these rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I make these rolls without eggs?
A5: Yes, you can try using a flax egg or another egg substitute for a vegan version of the rolls.

Q6: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A6: You can, but keep in mind that it may make the rolls slightly saltier. If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the dough.

Q7: How do I reheat the rolls?
A7: To reheat, simply wrap the rolls in foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warm.

Q8: Can I add cheese to these rolls?
A8: Absolutely! Grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella added to the dough or sprinkled on top before baking would be delicious.

Q9: What if my dough doesn’t rise?
A9: Ensure your yeast is fresh, and the milk is warm (not too hot). If the dough doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer spot and giving it more time.

Q10: How do I make these rolls vegan?
A10: You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk (like almond milk) and egg substitute.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a true crowd-pleaser—soft, buttery, and packed with the irresistible flavor of garlic. They’re easy to make, quick to bake, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with a meal or enjoying them on their own, these rolls are bound to become your new favorite. So, go ahead—give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “garlic butter”!

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